Definition

In a way that can be expected or anticipated.

Example

The weather changed predictably, just as the forecast had said.

Conversation

Did you see the game last night?

Yeah, it went just as I thought it would.

I know, right? The team played predictably well in the second half.

Exactly! I almost expected them to come back like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Predictably → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "dict" (from Latin "dicere", meaning to say or declare) and the suffix "-ably" (meaning in a manner that can be). The word "predictably" means in a manner that can be said or declared beforehand, indicating something that can be anticipated.

Memory Tip

Think of something that can be 'said beforehand' ('pre-' means before and 'dict' means to say) — that's why predictably means it can be anticipated.

Visually Confused Words