predictable
/prɪˈdɪktəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /prɪˈdɪktəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl/ (ame, mw)
predictable — adjective
- predictablepositive
- more predictablecomparative
- most predictablesuperlative
1. able to be worked out before it happens, because the signs already show what the
able to be worked out before it happens, because the signs already show what the result, time, or next step will be.
The bus timetable is predictable, so Nina leaves home at 7:10 each morning.
predictable timetable / timing
Given the dark clouds, it was predictable that the match would stop early.
it is predictable that-clause
By noon, the shop's bread sales were predictable from the school lunch break.
With these clear rules, the game's ending feels more predictable to new players.
After three dry months, the river's level became sadly predictable.
- expected
common when something seems likely from the situation; less focused on reading clear signs.
- foreseeable
more formal and often used for future problems, changes, or legal responsibility.
- regular
stresses repeated pattern or timing, not simply the ability to guess in advance.
- unpredictable
direct opposite when the result or timing cannot be guessed.
- uncertain
weaker opposite, used when the outcome is still unclear.
- random
stronger opposite, suggesting there is no clear pattern at all.
文法句型
it is predictable that ...
be predictable from sth
predictable result / pattern / timing
用法筆記
Often used for events, results, prices, weather, or behaviour when there are signs already in view. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense can be neutral or even useful, while sense 2 usually criticizes something for lacking freshness.
常見錯誤
2. so expected that it feels dull, with nothing fresh, clever, or surprising about
so expected that it feels dull, with nothing fresh, clever, or surprising about it.
The film's ending was predictable, and half the class guessed it early.
predictable ending
Jake gave the same predictable excuse about traffic and a dead phone.
predictable excuse
Her birthday post looked pretty, but the message felt predictable.
Everyone laughed politely, though the comedian's final joke was predictable.
In the debate, the mayor offered predictable answers and avoided every hard question.
- formulaic
used especially for stories, speeches, and writing that follow a set pattern.
- cliched
stronger and more negative, suggesting overused ideas or language.
- unoriginal
general word for lacking new ideas.
- fresh
suggests a new and lively idea or style.
- original
not copied, overused, or too easy to guess.
- unexpected
focuses on surprise rather than creative quality.
文法句型
predictable ending / excuse / answer
be predictable
用法筆記
Usually carries criticism and is common with stories, jokes, answers, excuses, and public behaviour. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 only says you can know something beforehand, while this sense adds the idea that the thing is dull or uninteresting.