adjective
predictive
prih-DIK-tiv/prɪˈdɪktɪv/
Used to predict what is likely to happen or come next.
The predictive radar display projects the storm's path toward the coastal town.
Etymology
“Saying beforehand” is the core image of foretelling. Something predictive gives advance indications of what will happen, whether through an explicit forecast or through signs pointing to a future outcome.
In context
that doesn't really predict how they're going to behave. So, people can talk a tough game online, but there's very low predictive ability correlating between how people talk online and how people conduct themselves in daily life
More examples
- Predictive text suggests the next word as you type.
- The hospital uses predictive software to identify patients at risk.
- Predictive maintenance helps technicians fix machines before they break down.
Forms
predictive
predict verb — To say what will likely happen.
prediction noun — A statement about what will likely happen.
Similar words
- forecasting
- Usually emphasizes estimating future trends or conditions from available data.
- prognostic
- Often concerns the likely course or outcome of an illness.