Forecast

Definition

Forecast refers to the prediction or estimation of future events or trends based on current data or patterns.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (transitive, intransitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɔrkæst/
• Respelling: FOR-kast (with "FOR" as in "fort" and "kast" as in "last")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːkɑːst/
• Respelling: FAWR-kaast (with "FAWR" as in "fort" and "kaast" as in "last")

In both dialects, "forecast" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "FOR" or "FAWR." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "FOR-kast" in American English and "FAWR-kaast" in British English.

Etymology

The word "forecast" comes from the Old English "fore," meaning "before," and "cast," meaning "to throw" or "to predict." The combination originally referred to a plan or scheme but evolved to its current meaning of predicting future events in the 15th century. The term has been used in English since then, particularly in the context of weather prediction and planning.

Derivatives

• Forecaster (noun)
• Forecasting (noun/verb)
• Preforecast (verb, rare)
• Unforecasted (adjective, rare)
• Forecastable (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Prediction
• Prognosis
• Projection

Antonyms

• Hindsight
• Retrospect
• Review

Usage

The term "forecast" is widely used in various contexts, most commonly in meteorology, finance, and economics. It involves analyzing current data to predict future outcomes, such as weather conditions, stock market trends, or economic developments. Forecasts can be short-term or long-term and are often used to guide decision-making in both personal and professional settings.

Related Terms

• Anticipate
• Predictability
• Estimate

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A Prediction of Future Events or Trends: Refers to a statement about what will happen in the future based on current information or trends, commonly used in weather forecasting and financial markets.
  • Example: The weather forecast predicts heavy rain for tomorrow.

• An Estimate of Future Outcomes: Used in business and finance to refer to an estimate of future performance, such as sales or earnings.
  • Example: The company issued a strong sales forecast for the next quarter.

Verb (transitive, intransitive)

• To Predict Future Events Based on Current Data: Refers to the act of making predictions about the future, often using data analysis or models to inform the forecast.
  • Example: Meteorologists forecast that the hurricane will make landfall by Friday.

• To Estimate or Plan for the Future: In a broader sense, it means to make informed guesses about future developments and prepare accordingly.
  • Example: The economist forecasted a slow recovery for the economy.