Question

Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
PREDICT
a) explain
b) foretell
c) assert
d) observe

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘predict’ refers to ‘say or estimate that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something'. This word is usually used as a verb, and the noun form of the given word is ‘prediction’.

Complete answer:
 The word ‘predict’ can be used in a sentence in the following way:
For example, in the sentence ‘The philosophers predicted that boredom would be the biggest problem in the future’, the word ‘predict’ is used in the past tense to denote a completed action. In this sentence, the word is used to describe the fact that the philosophers guessed what would happen in the future for humanity.

Now, we know the meaning of the given word. Let’s look at the available options:

a) explain - The word ‘explain’ refers to ‘make (an idea or situation) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of ‘predict’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) foretell - The word ‘foretell’ refers to ‘predict (the future or a future event)’. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. This is the synonym of ‘predict’. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
c) assert - The word ‘assert’ refers to ‘state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully’. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of ‘predict’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) observe - The word ‘observe’ refers to ‘notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym with ‘predict’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:
Try to understand the context of the given word, and look through the given options.
Differentiate between each of the options as they have a difference in meaning. Choose the most appropriate option i.e. the option that is closest in meaning to the given word.