Predictable

Definition

Predictable describes something that is expected or can be foreseen, often because it follows a regular pattern or behavior.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective: predictable

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈdɪktəbəl/
• Respelling: prih-DIK-tuh-buhl (with "prih" as in "prism," "DIK" as in "dick," "tuh" as a softer "tu," and "buhl" as in "bulb")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈdɪktəbəl/
• Respelling: prih-DIK-tuh-buhl (similar to American English, with "prih" as in "prism," "DIK" as in "dick," "tuh" a softer "tu," and "buhl" as in "bulb")

In both dialects, "predictable" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "DIK." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "DIK" part.

Etymology

The term "predictable" comes from the verb "predict", which has its roots in the Latin word "praedictum", where "prae-" means "before" and "dicere" means "to say".

Derivatives

• Predictability
• Predictably
• Prediction
• Predictor
• Predicted

Synonyms

• Foreseeable
• Expected
• Anticipated

Antonyms

• Unpredictable
• Random
• Sporadic

Usage

"Predictable" is often used to describe something that behaves in a consistent manner, allowing one to anticipate its next move, action, or result. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing a person's behavior to analyzing patterns in data.

Related Terms

• Consistency
• Regularity
• Pattern
• Trend
• Habitual

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Capable of being predicted or expected.
• Example: "The outcome of the experiment was predictable."

• Lacking originality, freshness, or novelty; trite.
• Example: "His speech was filled with predictable clichés."

• Displaying no variations and therefore easy to anticipate.
• Example: "The team had a predictable strategy."