Predictable
/prɪˈdɪktəbəl/
Definitions
Able to be anticipated; likely to happen or behave in a certain way.
/prɪˈdɪktəbəl/
Capable of being foreseen or known beforehand; expected.
The plot of the story was predictable, but still enjoyable.
💡 Simply: Imagine you always know what your friend is going to say or do. If they're always the same, they're *predictable*! Just like when a clock always tells the time.
👶 For kids: When you know what's going to happen, it's predictable!
More Examples
The weather forecast for the week is quite predictable.
His reaction to the news was completely predictable.
How It's Used
"The ending of the movie was predictable."
"Predictable cash flow is important for business planning."
"People with predictable routines often feel more secure."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Predictable as the sunrise
Something that will happen with certainty.
"His arrival was as predictable as the sunrise; he was always early."
From Latin *praedictum* (past participle of *praedicere*, 'to foretell') + -able (suffix indicating capability). Originally used in the context of prophecy or forecasting.
The use of 'predictable' has become increasingly common with the rise of statistical analysis and forecasting.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'predict.' If you can predict it, it's predictable!
Word Origin
"prae - before, dicere - to say"