Explanation at your level:
A forecast tells you what the weather will be like. If the forecast says rain, you should take an umbrella. It is a prediction for tomorrow.
We use a forecast to plan our day. For example, if the weather forecast is sunny, we might decide to go to the park. It helps us know what to expect.
A forecast is a calculation of future trends. Whether it is about the weather or business sales, a forecast provides an estimate based on current facts and data.
In professional contexts, a forecast is crucial for strategic planning. Businesses often create a financial forecast to anticipate market shifts. It requires analyzing historical data to make an informed prediction.
The term forecast implies a degree of scientific rigor. Unlike a simple guess, a forecast relies on models and variables. It is an essential tool in meteorology, economics, and logistics, bridging the gap between uncertainty and preparation.
Etymologically, forecast suggests 'casting' one's vision forward. In high-level discourse, it denotes a sophisticated synthesis of probabilistic data. It is often used in contrast to 'hindsight,' representing the intellectual endeavor to master the future through the systematic study of the present.
30秒でわかる単語
- A forecast is a prediction of future events.
- It is commonly used for weather and business.
- It relies on data and current information.
- It can be used as both a noun and a verb.
When you hear the word forecast, you probably think of a meteorologist pointing at a map on the news. That is the most common way we use it! A forecast is essentially a prediction of future events based on the information we have right now.
Think of it as a bridge between today and tomorrow. Whether it is predicting rain, snow, or sunshine, a forecast helps us prepare for what is coming. It is not a guarantee, but it is the best estimate we have!
Beyond the weather, we use forecast in business and finance all the time. Companies look at their sales forecast to decide how many products to make. It is all about using past patterns to make smart choices for the future.
The word forecast has a very logical history. It comes from the Middle English word forecasten, which is a combination of fore- (meaning 'before') and cast (meaning 'to throw' or 'to plan').
Originally, it meant to plan ahead or to 'throw' one's thoughts forward in time. Over the centuries, the meaning shifted from a general plan to a specific prediction. By the 19th century, it became the standard term for weather predictions.
It is fascinating how the word evolved from a simple act of 'planning' into a scientific tool. It shows how language changes to fit our growing need for data and accuracy in our daily lives.
You will hear forecast used in many different settings. In casual conversation, we often say, 'What is the weather forecast for the weekend?' It is a neutral, everyday term.
In formal business meetings, you might hear, 'The economic forecast looks positive for the next quarter.' Here, it sounds professional and authoritative. Using the right collocations, like accurate forecast or gloomy forecast, helps you sound more natural.
Remember that forecast can also be a verb! You can forecast the results of an election or forecast the growth of a company. It is a very versatile word that fits well in both casual and professional registers.
While forecast itself is rarely used in idioms, it is often part of expressions about the future. 1. Weather the storm: To survive a difficult period. 2. A cloud on the horizon: A sign of future trouble. 3. Read the signs: To interpret current events to predict the future. 4. Crystal ball: Used when someone asks, 'Do you have a crystal ball?' implying you cannot predict the future. 5. Looking ahead: A common way to discuss a forecast.
The word forecast is a regular noun. Its plural form is either forecasts or sometimes just forecast (as an uncountable concept). The IPA pronunciation is /ˈfɔːrkæst/ in British English and /ˈfɔːrkæst/ in American English.
The stress is on the first syllable: FORE-cast. It rhymes with words like broadcast and forecast (itself). When used as a verb, the past tense can be forecast or forecasted, though forecast is more common in professional settings.
Fun Fact
The word was used in Middle English to mean 'to plan' long before it was used for weather.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'for-kahst'
Sounds like 'for-kast'
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'cast' part
- Putting stress on the second syllable
- Adding an extra 'ed' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
moderate
moderate
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Noun adjuncts
weather forecast
Past tense of irregular verbs
forecast/forecast
Articles with nouns
the forecast
Examples by Level
The weather forecast says it will rain.
weather prediction
singular noun
Look at the forecast.
check the prediction
imperative
The forecast is good.
the prediction is positive
linking verb
Is the forecast correct?
is it right?
question form
I checked the forecast.
I looked at it
past tense verb
The forecast changed.
it is different now
past tense verb
What is the forecast?
what does it say?
wh-question
The forecast is sunny.
it will be sunny
adjective
The forecast for tomorrow is cold.
I always check the forecast before traveling.
The weather forecast was wrong yesterday.
Did you see the forecast for the weekend?
The business forecast shows growth.
My phone shows the latest forecast.
The forecast predicts a storm.
The weekly forecast is very helpful.
The economic forecast suggests a slow recovery.
We need to update our sales forecast for next month.
Despite the gloomy forecast, we went hiking.
The meteorologist gave an accurate forecast.
Our long-term forecast is looking quite promising.
The forecast indicates a rise in temperature.
Can you provide a forecast for the project budget?
The forecast was updated this morning.
The company's revenue forecast exceeded all expectations.
Analysts are revising their growth forecast for the industry.
The climate forecast remains a major concern for scientists.
We based our strategy on the latest market forecast.
The forecast model accounts for several variables.
It is difficult to provide a reliable forecast in such volatile times.
The updated forecast paints a bleak picture for the season.
They issued a storm forecast early this morning.
The geopolitical forecast remains uncertain given the current tensions.
Technological advancements have significantly improved the accuracy of weather forecast models.
The board reviewed the 5-year financial forecast with great interest.
A conservative forecast is often preferred in risk management.
The forecast trajectory of the hurricane has shifted slightly.
We must adjust our operations based on the latest demand forecast.
The forecast for global energy consumption is trending upward.
His forecast regarding the election results proved remarkably prescient.
The forecast of imminent collapse was dismissed by the ruling party.
Her forecast of the market's trajectory was nothing short of prophetic.
The intricate forecast models require massive computational power.
We are operating under a forecast of continued instability.
The forecast, while speculative, provides a necessary framework for planning.
The meteorological forecast was superseded by real-time satellite data.
One must distinguish between a mere guess and a data-driven forecast.
The forecast serves as a barometer for the organization's future health.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"in the cards"
likely to happen
A promotion is in the cards for her.
casual"on the horizon"
expected soon
Big changes are on the horizon.
neutral"crystal ball gazing"
trying to guess the future
Stop the crystal ball gazing and look at the facts.
casual"read the tea leaves"
to interpret signs
We are reading the tea leaves to see where the market goes.
idiomatic"see what the future holds"
to wait for events
We will see what the future holds.
neutralEasily Confused
both mean to say what happens next
predict is a verb, forecast is a noun/verb
I predict rain; the forecast says rain.
both involve the future
foresee is about mental vision
I foresee trouble.
both are estimates
projection is more statistical
The sales projection is high.
both are about future
outlook is a general feeling
The outlook is sunny.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + the + forecast
The forecast is rain.
Check + the + forecast
Check the forecast.
The + forecast + predicts + noun
The forecast predicts snow.
Based + on + the + forecast
Based on the forecast, we left.
Issue + a + forecast
They issued a forecast.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
While 'forecasted' is becoming common, 'forecast' is the preferred past tense in formal writing.
Forecast is a countable noun, but 'forecastings' is not a word.
We use noun adjuncts, not possessives, for weather predictions.
You don't predict a forecast; you make or issue one.
Keep it simple; 'forecast' as a verb is usually sufficient.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a weather reporter standing on a 'fore' (front) of a stage 'casting' a spell.
When Native Speakers Use It
We use it daily for weather and business.
Cultural Insight
Small talk about the weather is common in English-speaking countries.
Grammar Shortcut
Forecast is both the present and past tense.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'cast' sound, not 'kest'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't add 'ed' to the past tense if you want to sound professional.
Did You Know?
The word 'forecast' was used in the 14th century to mean 'to plan'.
Study Smart
Use the word in a sentence about your own schedule.
Business context
Use it to talk about sales or growth.
Rhyme time
Rhyme it with 'broadcast' to remember the ending.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
FORE (before) + CAST (throw your thoughts forward).
Visual Association
A person throwing a paper plane into the future.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Check the weather forecast for your city tomorrow.
語源
English
Original meaning: To plan ahead
文化的な背景
None
Weather forecasts are a staple of small talk in the UK and US.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- sales forecast
- projected forecast
- quarterly forecast
traveling
- check the forecast
- weather forecast
- travel forecast
news
- weather forecast
- economic forecast
- latest forecast
daily life
- what's the forecast
- bad forecast
- good forecast
Conversation Starters
"What is the weather forecast for tomorrow?"
"Do you believe in economic forecasts?"
"How do you plan your week based on the forecast?"
"Do you think weather forecasts are accurate?"
"What is your forecast for the future of technology?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time a forecast was wrong.
How do you use forecasts in your daily life?
If you could forecast your own future, would you?
Why are forecasts important for businesses?
よくある質問
8 問Both are used, but forecast is more common in professional contexts.
Yes, as long as it involves predicting the future.
It is both!
Yes, forecasts.
It is used in science, but is common enough for daily use.
Think of fore (before) and cast (throw).
Yes, that is the most common collocation.
It can be both formal and casual.
自分をテスト
The weather ___ says it will rain.
Forecast is the correct term for weather prediction.
What does a forecast do?
Forecasts are for predictions.
A forecast is always 100% correct.
Forecasts are estimates, not certainties.
Word
意味
Matching synonyms and antonyms.
Standard sentence structure.
スコア： /5
Summary
A forecast is an educated prediction about the future based on the information we have today.
- A forecast is a prediction of future events.
- It is commonly used for weather and business.
- It relies on data and current information.
- It can be used as both a noun and a verb.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a weather reporter standing on a 'fore' (front) of a stage 'casting' a spell.
When Native Speakers Use It
We use it daily for weather and business.
Cultural Insight
Small talk about the weather is common in English-speaking countries.
Grammar Shortcut
Forecast is both the present and past tense.
例文
I checked the weather forecast before leaving the house.
Related Content
Weatherの関連語
fog
A1Fog is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface. it obscures or restricts visibility, making it difficult to see far ahead.
temperate
A1穏やか（おだやか）な気候は、暑すぎず寒すぎない気候のことです。一年を通して快適な温度です。
storms
B1Violent atmospheric disturbances characterized by strong winds, precipitation, and often thunder and lightning. Metaphorically, it refers to tumultuous reactions, emotional outbursts, or violent assaults.
wet
A1濡れているとは、水がかかって水分を含んでいる状態です。雨の日に外に出ると服が濡れます。
rain
A1雨は雲から落ちてくる水滴のことです。植物が育つためにとても大切なものです。
sunset
A1The time in the evening when the sun disappears from view below the horizon. It refers to both the specific time of day and the colorful sky that often accompanies it.
overcast
A1An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.
blizzard
B2A severe snowstorm characterized by very strong winds and low visibility over an extended period. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to an overwhelming or confusing mass of something that arrives suddenly, such as data or paperwork.
chill
A1A mild but unpleasant feeling of coldness in the air or in the body. It often describes the temperature when it is cool enough to make you shiver but not freezing.
snowy
A1Describes a place or time that is covered with snow or has a lot of snow falling. It is often used to talk about winter weather and the white appearance of the ground.
