forecast
/ˈfɔːkɑːst/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːrkæst/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfȯr-ˌkast fȯr-ˈkast/ (ame, mw) · /ˈfɔː.kɑːst/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːr.kæst/ (ame, ipa)
forecast — noun
- forecastsingular
- forecastsplural
1. a written or spoken report about what will probably happen in a particular area,
a written or spoken report about what will probably happen in a particular area, made by studying the information one has. The word is often used for weather, economic conditions, or business results.
The weather forecast says heavy rain will arrive by Friday evening.
Economic forecasts predict slower growth in the manufacturing sector this year.
economic forecasts + sector predictions
According to the latest forecast, the storm should reach the coast around midnight.
Yuki checked the weekend forecast before planning the hiking trip.
The company's sales forecast for the next quarter looks very promising.
- prediction
broader; can be used in any context, whether data-based or not
- projection
more technical; based on numerical models and assumptions
- outlook
less specific; describes the general expected situation rather than a detailed statement
- hindsight
understanding of a situation after it has happened, not before
文法句型
forecast + of + noun
adjective + forecast
常見錯誤
forecast — verb
- forecasts3rd person singular
- forecasting-ing form
- forecastedpast simple
- forecastpast participle
1. to use available facts and information to describe what will probably happen in
to use available facts and information to describe what will probably happen in an area such as the weather, the economy, or business. For example, an economist forecasts changes in prices, or a meteorologist forecasts tomorrow's weather.
Economists forecast that inflation will remain low throughout the year.
forecast + that-clause for predicted events
The weather bureau forecasts temperatures above 38 degrees for the weekend.
Analysts forecast a sharp increase in housing prices across major cities.
No one could have forecast how quickly the new technology would spread.
Salma's team forecast a significant drop in production costs next quarter.
- predict
more general; can be used for any type of future statement, including personal ones
- project
more technical; based on calculations from existing data
- anticipate
focuses on expecting or preparing for something rather than stating it
文法句型
forecast + that-clause
forecast + noun phrase
passive: be forecast to
用法筆記
The past tense and past participle are usually 'forecast' (not 'forecasted'), though both forms are accepted in less formal use. Subject is often an institution or expert (weather bureau, analysts, economists) rather than an individual acting on casual opinion.
常見錯誤
2. to act as a sign that something, especially something unpleasant or significant,
to act as a sign that something, especially something unpleasant or significant, is likely to happen. Unlike the first sense, there is no person actively analysing data — a situation or natural event itself points toward a future outcome.
The dark clouds gathering over the hills forecast a severe storm before dawn.
inanimate subject + forecast + event — sign / omen meaning
For small shop owners, a sudden drop in monthly sales forecasts serious trouble ahead.
Many fishermen believe that unusual bird behaviour forecasts a change in the weather.
The growing number of bankruptcies in the area forecasts hard times for local families.
文法句型
forecast + noun phrase
passive uncommon
用法筆記
Subject is typically an event, situation, or natural phenomenon, not a person. This sense is more common in written or formal English and often carries a slightly ominous or dramatic tone.