forecast

Forecast (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does forecast mean?

To predict or estimate future events or conditions based on available information and analysis.
"The expert used statistical models to forecast customer demand."

Detailed Meaning of Forecast

It involves using available data, trends, patterns, and expert knowledge to make an educated projection or estimation about what is likely to happen in the future. Forecasting is commonly employed in various fields, including weather, economics, business, and finance. When someone forecasts, they analyze historical data, current trends, and relevant factors to provide insight into what may occur in the coming days, weeks, months, or years. Forecasting aims to provide valuable information and help individuals, organizations, and decision-makers make informed choices, plan strategies, or anticipate potential outcomes. It acknowledges the inherent uncertainty of the future but aims to provide a reasoned assessment of probable scenarios based on existing information and analysis.

Example Sentences for Forecast

1. They forecast a bright future for the new technology.
2. Can you forecast the outcome of this experiment?
3. Weather stations around the world forecast changing climate patterns.
4. Economists forecast a significant rise in inflation next year.
5. If you look at the data, it's easy to forecast a positive trend.
6. It's difficult to forecast the stock market accurately.

Origin and Etymology of Forecast

The verb 'forecast' is formed from two distinct elements: 'fore' and 'cast.' 'Fore' comes from the Old English word 'fore,' which means 'before' or 'in advance.' 'Cast' in this context means 'to throw' or 'to project.' When combined, 'forecast' essentially means to project or throw forward in time, reflecting the idea of predicting or estimating future events or conditions based on available information and analysis. The term has been used in this sense since the late Middle Ages, emphasizing the act of foreseeing and planning for what lies ahead by making educated predictions. The etymology of 'forecast' highlights its historical connection to the concept of looking ahead and preparing for the future, underscoring its role in providing insight and guidance in various fields, from meteorology to finance.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb forecast:

predict

speculate

doubt

guess

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Forecast

1. The team will forecast potential obstacles in the project plan.
2. He loves to forecast the winners of political elections.
3. The media often forecast the results of sports games.
4. Meteorologists forecast heavy rainfall for the coming week.
5. The software helps us forecast customer behavior.
6. You cannot forecast the mood swings of a teenager.
7. They forecast an increase in housing prices for the next quarter.
8. Experts forecast a potential second wave of the pandemic.
9. Artificial intelligence helps us forecast weather patterns more accurately.
10. With current trends, we can forecast a robust economy for the next decade.
11. The business model helps us forecast revenue growth for the next fiscal year.
12. Market research companies forecast consumer trends.
13. In the meeting, they will forecast sales for the next quarter.
14. We can forecast a high demand for renewable energy in the future.