Dictionary
1forecast
verb fore·cast \-ˌkast; fȯr-ˈkast\
: to say that (something) will happen in the future : to predict (something, such as weather) after looking at the information that is available
forecast also fore·cast·edfore·cast·ing
Full Definition of FORECAST
transitive verb
1
a : to calculate or predict (some future event or condition) usually as a result of study and analysis of available pertinent data; especially : to predict (weather conditions) on the basis of correlated meteorological observations b : to indicate as likely to occur
2
: to serve as a forecast of : presage <such events may forecast peace>
intransitive verb
: to calculate the future
— fore·cast·able \-ˌkas-tə-bəl\ adjective
— fore·cast·er noun
See forecast defined for English-language learners
See forecast defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of FORECAST
15th century
Related to FORECAST
- Synonyms
- augur, call, foretell, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy, read, vaticinate
Synonym Discussion of FORECAST
foretell, predict, forecast, prophesy, prognosticate mean to tell beforehand. foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information <seers foretold the calamity>. predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature <astronomers predicted an eclipse>. forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties <forecast snow>. prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises <prophesying a new messiah>. prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy <prognosticating the future>.
Rhymes with FORECAST
aghast, at last, avast, bedfast, Belfast, bombast, broadcast, bypast, contrast, dicast, dismast, downcast, dynast, fantast, flypast, foremast, forepassed, full blast, gymnast, half-caste, half-mast, handfast, holdfast, lightfast, mainmast, makefast, march-past, miscast, newscast, oblast, offcast, outcast, outcaste, precast, recast, repast, roughcast, sandblast, sand-cast, shamefast, sportscast, topmast, trade-last, typecast, upcast, webcast, windblast
2forecast
noun fore·cast \ˈfȯr-ˌkast\
: a statement about what you think is going to happen in the future
Full Definition of FORECAST
1
archaic : foresight of consequences and provision against them : forethought
2
: a prophecy, estimate, or prediction of a future happening or condition
See forecast defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FORECAST
1527
Related to FORECAST
- Synonyms
- auguring, augury, bodement, cast, prediction, forecasting, foretelling, predicting, presaging, prognosis, prognostic, prognosticating, prognostication, prophecy (also prophesy), soothsaying, vaticination
FORECAST Defined for Kids
1forecast
verb fore·cast \ˈfȯr-ˌkast\
forecastfore·cast·ing
Definition of FORECAST for Kids
: to predict often after thought and study of available evidence
— fore·cast·er noun
2forecast
noun
Definition of FORECAST for Kids
: a prediction of something in the future <a weather forecast>
Learn More About FORECAST
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: forecastinglyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: forecarriageAll Words Near: forecast
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up forecast? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).