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A prediction is a statement about what someone thinks will happen in the future.

People make predictions all the time. Some are very serious and are based on scientific calculations, but many are just guesses.

Example: Here’s a prediction: in 20 years, we’ll all drive less and eat a lot less meat.

The first records of prediction come from the mid-1500s. It comes from a Latin term that means “foretelling.” Prediction is the noun form of the verb predict, which is formed from the prefix pre-, meaning “before,” and the root dic-, meaning “to say.”

So to make a prediction is to say that something is going to happen before it happens (usually so that when it happens, you can say Called it!). People have been making predictions throughout much of human history. The Ancient Greeks believed that oracles could see the future, and relied on their predictions for certain things. But that kind of prediction is more often called a prophecy.

Today, the word prediction usually doesn’t imply mystical stuff like looking into a crystal ball. Of course, many predictions aren’t based on much (like your prediction that your team is going to win the championship). But some are. People often rely on data and scientific modeling to make predictions about important things like tomorrow’s weather, the path of a hurricane, the stock market, and who will win in a political election (in all of these examples, making such predictions can be called forecasting). But the world is complicated, and no amount of data can ensure that a prediction will be 100 percent accurate.

What are some other forms related to prediction?

• predict (verb)

What are some synonyms for prediction?

• forecast
• projection
• prognostication
• prophecy
• prognosis
• divination

What are some words that share a root or word element with prediction?��

• diction
• dictum
• dictionary

What are some words that often get used in discussing prediction?

• future
• foresight
• guess
• true
• foretell

What are some words prediction may be commonly confused with?

• predication

Predictions are made every day for both serious and unimportant things. They are often discussed in the context of the weather, the stock market, sports, and politics—any topic in which people are interested in what could happen in the future.

The entire political class is now making predictions about who will win. Have they learned *nothing*?

— Sian Berry (@sianberry)

My prediction for today’s game Manchester United 3 – 1 Manchester city.

— RamiLechuga (@RamiLechuga)

Crazy prediction: there will be no snow left in by the end of this week.

— Shawn Menard (@ShawnMenard1)

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A prediction is most concerned with events in:

A. the past
B. the present
C. the future