This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 verb 11 min read

prevedere

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips prevedere in 30 Seconds

Explanation prevedere in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'prevedere' as a way to talk about the future in a very simple way. It comes from 'pre' (before) and 'vedere' (to see). So, it means 'to see before.' You will mostly use it when talking about the weather. For example, 'Il meteo prevede sole' (The weather predicts sun). This is a very useful word because everyone talks about the weather! At this level, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that 'prevede' is the form for 'it predicts.' It is a regular verb in the present tense, similar to 'vedere.' You might also hear it when someone says 'Come previsto,' which means 'As expected.' This is a common phrase you can learn as a single block. Even at the beginning, knowing this word helps you understand basic announcements at train stations or on the radio. It's a great building block for your Italian because it connects two words you might already know: 'pre' and 'vedere.' Try to use it when you look at your weather app in the morning. Say to yourself, 'Oggi il meteo prevede pioggia' or 'Oggi il meteo prevede bel tempo.' This simple practice will help you remember the word and its meaning.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'prevedere' in more varied contexts beyond just the weather. You might use it to talk about plans or things you expect to happen. For instance, 'Prevedo di finire il lavoro domani' (I expect to finish the work tomorrow). Notice that here we use 'prevedere di' followed by an infinitive verb. This is a common pattern for talking about your own intentions or expectations. You will also encounter the past participle 'previsto' more often. This is an irregular form (like 'visto' from 'vedere'). You will hear 'è previsto' on signs or in announcements. For example, 'L'arrivo è previsto alle ore dieci' (The arrival is expected at ten o'clock). This is very important for travel. At the A2 level, you should also be aware of the difference between 'prevedere' and 'vedere.' While 'vedere' is just the physical act of seeing, 'prevedere' involves a bit of thinking or looking ahead. It's about anticipation. You can use it to talk about simple predictions in games or sports: 'Prevedo che vincerà l'Italia' (I predict that Italy will win). Even if your grammar isn't perfect, using 'prevedere' shows you are moving beyond the most basic verbs and starting to express more complex thoughts about the future.

By the B1 level, 'prevedere' becomes a key verb for discussing possibilities, plans, and logical outcomes. You should be comfortable using it in the 'passato prossimo' (ho previsto) and the 'futuro' (prevedrò). A big step at this level is using 'prevedere' with the conjunction 'che.' For example, 'Prevedo che ci saranno molti turisti quest'estate' (I predict that there will be many tourists this summer). You are now moving into the realm of expressing opinions and hypotheses. You will also start to see 'prevedere' in more formal texts, such as instructions or simple contracts. In these contexts, it means 'to provide for' or 'to include.' For example, 'Il corso prevede dieci lezioni' (The course includes ten lessons). This is a very common way to describe the structure of something. You should also start to recognize the noun form, 'la previsione' (the prediction or forecast). You'll hear this in 'le previsioni del tempo' every day. Another important use at B1 is understanding the passive 'è previsto' in social contexts: 'È previsto un rinfresco dopo la riunione' (A refreshment is planned after the meeting). This helps you navigate social and professional events. Remember to use 'previsto' as an adjective too, meaning 'expected' or 'planned.' If something doesn't happen, you can say it was 'imprevisto' (unexpected).

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'prevedere' with precision in both formal and informal settings. You should understand its nuance as 'to stipulate' in legal or official documents. For example, 'L'articolo 5 prevede che...' (Article 5 stipulates that...). This is a high-level usage that is essential for reading Italian newspapers or understanding official communications. You should also be comfortable with the future tense contraction 'prevedrò' and the conditional 'prevedrei.' At this level, you can use 'prevedere' to discuss complex trends in economy, politics, or sociology. You might say, 'Gli analisti non avevano previsto una crisi di tali dimensioni' (Analysts hadn't foreseen a crisis of such dimensions). This shows you can use the 'trapassato prossimo' to talk about past expectations. You should also be able to distinguish 'prevedere' from its synonyms like 'ipotizzare' (to hypothesize) or 'presagire' (to bode). For instance, 'Questi dati ci permettono di prevedere l'andamento del mercato' (This data allows us to forecast the market trend). You are now using the verb as a tool for analysis. Furthermore, you should be familiar with common idioms and fixed expressions like 'prevedere il peggio' (to expect the worst) or 'salvo imprevisti' (barring the unforeseen). Using these phrases will make your Italian sound much more natural and sophisticated.

At the C1 level, 'prevedere' is a word you use to navigate the subtleties of the Italian language. You understand its role in creating 'prospectivity' in a text. You can use it in complex sentence structures involving the subjunctive mood when there is a hint of uncertainty: 'Prevedo che l'azienda debba affrontare nuove sfide' (I foresee that the company may have to face new challenges). You also recognize its use in the 'si passivante' construction: 'Si prevede un aumento dei prezzi' (An increase in prices is expected). At this level, you should be able to appreciate the stylistic choice between 'prevedrò' and 'prevederò,' choosing the former for a more polished tone. You can also use the word in philosophical or abstract discussions about determinism and foresight. For example, 'Fino a che punto l'uomo può prevedere il proprio destino?' (To what extent can man foresee his own destiny?). You should also be adept at using the related word family, such as 'previdenza' (foresight/social security) and 'prevedibilità' (predictability). In a professional or academic context, you use 'prevedere' to define the scope of a study or a project with absolute clarity. You might write, 'Il presente studio prevede un'analisi comparativa tra due diversi modelli economici.' This demonstrates a command of the verb as a structural element of formal discourse.

At the C2 level, 'prevedere' is a tool for rhetorical precision. You use it to weave together complex arguments where the future is either dictated by current norms or deduced from intricate data sets. You understand the historical and legal weight of the verb in the Italian Civil Code and other foundational texts, where 'la legge prevede' establishes the very boundaries of social behavior. Your use of the verb is effortless, whether you are using it in a highly metaphorical sense in a literary critique or in a strictly technical sense in a scientific paper. You can discuss the 'prevedibilità del danno' (foreseeability of damage) in a legal debate or the 'previsione statistica' in a mathematical context. You are also aware of the archaic forms like 'preveduto' and why they might appear in older literature, though you wouldn't use them in modern speech. You can use 'prevedere' to critique the lack of foresight in historical events: 'La cecità dei governanti impedì loro di prevedere le catastrofiche conseguenze delle loro decisioni.' At this level, the word is no longer just a verb you've learned; it is a part of your intellectual toolkit, allowing you to express the human capacity for foresight, the rigidity of legal structures, and the inevitable uncertainty of the future with the same level of nuance as a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

prevedere in 30 Seconds

Prevedere means to foresee or predict future events based on current information.
It is commonly used in weather reports to describe upcoming atmospheric conditions.
In formal documents, it means to stipulate, include, or provide for specific rules.
The past participle is 'previsto' and the future is often contracted to 'prevedrò'.

The Italian verb prevedere is a sophisticated yet essential word that translates primarily to 'to foresee,' 'to predict,' or 'to provide for.' At its core, it is a compound verb formed from the prefix pre- (meaning 'before') and the verb vedere (meaning 'to see'). Therefore, etymologically, to prevedere is literally to 'see beforehand.' In the context of Italian life, this word bridges the gap between casual daily observations and formal, legal, or scientific statements. Whether you are talking about the weather, a business strategy, or a legal requirement, this verb is your primary tool for discussing the future based on current evidence or regulations.

Daily Forecasts: In everyday conversation, the most common use of prevedere relates to the weather. Italians use it to describe what meteorologists expect to happen. For example, 'Il meteo prevede pioggia' (The weather forecast predicts rain).

Legal and Formal Requirements: In a more formal or bureaucratic sense, prevedere means 'to stipulate' or 'to provide for.' When a law or a contract 'prevede' something, it means that specific condition is included or required by the document. For instance, 'La legge prevede una multa' means 'The law provides for a fine.'

Non potevo certo prevedere che le cose sarebbero andate così male.

Understanding the nuance of prevedere requires recognizing that it implies a level of logic or deduction. It is not just a blind guess (which might be indovinare), but rather an assessment of the future based on available data. When a scientist predicts a reaction or an economist forecasts a market crash, they are 'prevedendo.' This distinguishes it from more mystical terms like predire, which can sometimes lean toward prophecy or fortune-telling without empirical basis.

Il piano triennale deve prevedere tutte le possibili spese operative.

Intuition and Foresight: Beyond data, it also covers human intuition. If you have a 'feeling' that a friend will call, you might say you 'saw it coming.' In Italian, this is often expressed with avevo previsto che... (I had foreseen that...).

È difficile prevedere il comportamento umano in situazioni di emergenza.

Tutto è andato come previsto durante la cerimonia di premiazione.

In summary, prevedere is a versatile verb that moves from the simple act of checking a weather app to the complex legalities of European Union regulations. It signifies a cognitive process of looking forward, whether by instinct, calculation, or mandate. Mastery of this word allows you to discuss expectations, plans, and requirements with precision and clarity in any Italian-speaking environment.

Using prevedere correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the choice of mood that follows it. Since it is a verb of 'thought' or 'estimation' regarding the future, it often triggers specific linguistic patterns. When you use prevedere to mean 'to predict that something will happen,' you typically follow it with the conjunction che. Depending on the certainty of the prediction, you might use the indicative future or the subjunctive.

The 'Che' Construction: When you say 'I predict that...', you use Prevedo che.... If the outcome is seen as a factual certainty, the future indicative is used: 'Prevedo che pioverà' (I predict it will rain). If there is doubt or it's a personal opinion, the subjunctive can be used: 'Prevedo che ci siano dei problemi' (I foresee that there might be problems).

Gli esperti prevedono che l'economia crescerà del due percento quest'anno.

Another common usage is the direct object construction. Here, prevedere is followed directly by a noun. This is very common in legal and technical Italian. For example, if a recipe 'calls for' or 'provides for' three eggs, or a contract 'includes' a penalty clause, prevedere is the verb of choice. This usage does not require che or a full clause.

Direct Object Usage: This is common in professional settings: 'Il progetto prevede tre fasi distinte' (The project provides for/includes three distinct phases). Notice how it replaces 'includes' or 'consists of' in a more formal way.

Il regolamento condominiale prevede il divieto di rumori dopo le ore ventidue.

Nessuno aveva previsto un'affluenza di pubblico così massiccia.

The Passive Form: You will often hear 'È previsto' (It is expected/scheduled/provided). This is used for schedules or things that are planned. 'È previsto un ritardo di dieci minuti' (A delay of ten minutes is expected).

Per domani è previsto un forte calo delle temperature in tutta la penisola.

Non prevediamo cambiamenti significativi alla strategia di marketing attuale.

Finally, consider the negative usage. Saying non prevedere often implies a lack of foresight or an unexpected event. 'Non avevo previsto questo intoppo' (I hadn't foreseen this hitch). This is a common way to express surprise or to explain why a plan failed. By mastering these different structures—the 'che' clause, the direct object, and the passive 'è previsto'—you can navigate both casual and professional Italian conversations with ease.

In Italy, prevedere is omnipresent across various media and social interactions. One of the most frequent places you will encounter it is on the evening news during the meteo (weather) segment. The meteorologist will use phrases like 'Le previsioni prevedono...' to describe the coming days. It’s also a staple of political discourse; politicians are constantly being asked to 'prevedere' the outcome of elections or the impact of a new tax law. If you listen to Italian radio or podcasts about current events, you will hear this verb used to analyze trends and future possibilities.

At the Train Station: If you are traveling by train in Italy, the automated announcements or the display boards often use 'previsto.' For example, 'Il treno è previsto al binario 4' (The train is expected at platform 4). It indicates a scheduled arrival.

L'arrivo del volo da Roma è previsto con un leggero anticipo.

In the workplace, prevedere is used during project planning. A manager might ask, 'Cosa prevede il piano per il prossimo trimestre?' (What does the plan provide for the next quarter?). This isn't just about prediction; it's about the literal contents of a document. You will also see it on signs and official notices. A sign in a park might say, 'Il regolamento non prevede l'ingresso ai cani' (The regulations do not provide for/allow the entry of dogs).

Legal and Bureaucratic Documents: When dealing with Italian bureaucracy—applying for a visa, signing a rental contract, or reading a warranty—you will see prevedere constantly. It defines the scope of what is covered or allowed.

Il contratto di locazione prevede il pagamento anticipato di tre mensilità.

Come previsto, la festa è stata un grande successo nonostante la pioggia.

In Literature and Cinema: Authors use prevedere to describe characters with foresight or to set up plot points. In a thriller, a detective might say, 'L'assassino aveva previsto ogni nostra mossa' (The killer had foreseen our every move).

Chi avrebbe mai potuto prevedere un finale così sorprendente per questo film?

Dobbiamo prevedere un sistema di sicurezza più efficiente per il server.

Whether you are navigating a transit hub, reading a legal document, or simply chatting about the weekend weather, prevedere is the keyword for looking ahead. Its frequency in both highly formal and very casual settings makes it a cornerstone of functional Italian fluency. Pay attention to how often it appears in newspaper headlines—usually regarding economic forecasts or political predictions—and you'll soon realize it's a word that Italians use to make sense of the uncertainty of the future.

While prevedere is a relatively straightforward verb, English speakers often stumble over its conjugation and its specific nuances compared to similar verbs. The most frequent error occurs with the past participle. Because vedere becomes visto, prevedere must become previsto. Many learners mistakenly try to say 'preveduto,' which, while technically an archaic alternative, sounds very unnatural and 'foreign' in modern Italian conversation.

Conjugation of the Future Tense: Another common pitfall is the future tense. Like vedere, prevedere often loses its 'e' in the stem. While 'prevederò' is acceptable, 'prevedrò' is the standard in most regions and formal writing. Using 'prevederò' isn't a grave error, but it marks you as a beginner.

Sbagliato: Ho preveduto il risultato. Corretto: Ho previsto il risultato.

A second major area of confusion is the distinction between prevedere and predire. While both can mean 'to predict,' predire is more related to 'telling' or 'saying' (from dire) and often carries a more mystical or prophetic connotation (like a fortune teller). Prevedere is more about 'seeing' or 'foreseeing' based on logic, evidence, or planning. Using predire to talk about a scientific forecast would sound slightly odd.

Prevedere vs. Provvedere: These two look similar but have different meanings. Provvedere means 'to take care of' or 'to provide' in the sense of supplying something needed. Prevedere means to anticipate or stipulate. If you say 'Prevederò alla cena,' you are saying 'I will foresee the dinner' (nonsense), whereas you meant 'Provvederò alla cena' (I will take care of the dinner).

Non confondere: La legge prevede (stipulates) vs. Lo Stato provvede (provides/takes care of).

Sbagliato: Prevedo di un successo. Corretto: Prevedo un successo.

Confusion with 'Expect': In English, we often say 'I expect that...' to mean 'I think it will happen.' In Italian, while prevedere works, aspettarsi is often more natural for personal expectations. 'Mi aspetto che tu venga' is better than 'Prevedo che tu venga' if you are talking about your personal hope/expectation of a friend's arrival.

Il meteo prevede (predicts) sole, ma io mi aspetto (expect/hope) che faccia caldo.

Sono previste nuove assunzioni per l'anno prossimo in azienda.

By avoiding these common errors—specifically the irregular past participle previsto, the distinction from predire and provvedere, and the correct use of prepositions—you will sound much more like a native speaker. Pay close attention to the context: use prevedere when there's an element of calculation, regulation, or scheduling, and you'll find it's one of the most useful verbs in your Italian vocabulary.

Italian offers a rich palette of verbs to describe the act of looking into the future. While prevedere is the most versatile, choosing a more specific alternative can add depth and precision to your speech. Depending on whether you are talking about a scientific forecast, a gut feeling, or a logical deduction, you might want to reach for a different word.

Ipotizzare vs. Prevedere: While prevedere suggests a certain degree of confidence or data, ipotizzare (to hypothesize) is used when you are just making an educated guess or proposing a possibility. Use ipotizzare in academic or scientific contexts when the outcome is not yet certain.

Possiamo ipotizzare diverse soluzioni per questo complesso problema tecnico.

Another interesting pair is presagire and preannunciare. Presagire often has a literary or slightly ominous tone, like 'to bode' or 'to foreshadow.' It's used for signs and omens. Preannunciare is more formal and literal, used when someone officially announces something in advance, like a spokesperson or a press release.

Comparison of 'Future-telling' Verbs

Predire: To predict (often used for prophecies or magic).
Pronosticare: To forecast (often used in sports or medicine).
Immaginare: To imagine (more subjective and less based on data).
Supporre: To suppose (based on a logical assumption).

Il medico ha pronosticato una guarigione completa in poche settimane.

Dobbiamo pianificare con cura il viaggio per evitare imprevisti.

Anticipare vs. Prevedere: While prevedere is the mental act of seeing the future, anticipare is the physical or temporal act of doing something before the scheduled time. 'Anticipare la partenza' means to leave earlier than planned, whereas 'Prevedere la partenza' means to know when it will happen.

Il cielo scuro sembra presagire un terribile temporale estivo.

La Costituzione sancisce i diritti fondamentali di ogni cittadino.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate different registers of Italian. Use prevedere for general predictions and schedules, ipotizzare for theories, presagire for literary moods, and pronosticare for sports or medicine. This level of nuance is what separates a B2 learner from a truly proficient speaker who can convey subtle shades of meaning.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'provvidenza' (providence) comes from the same Latin root, originally meaning the 'foresight' of God.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pre.veˈde.re/

US /preɪ.veɪˈdeɪ.reɪ/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: pre-ve-DE-re.

Rhymes With

vedere sedere cadere sapere potere dovere piacere temere

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'pre' like the English 'pre-' in 'prepare'. In Italian, it is 'pre' with a clear 'e'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Mumbling the final 're'.
Using an English 'v' sound that is too soft.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'provvedere'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the 'pre' and 'vedere' roots.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the irregular past participle 'previsto'.

Speaking 3/5

The contracted future 'prevedrò' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very common in news and announcements, making it easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

vedere tempo domani dire fare

Learn Next

provvedere prevenire predire ipotizzare supporre

Advanced

congetturare auspicare presagire stipulare

Grammar to Know

Subjunctive after verbs of opinion/prediction

Prevedo che lui *venga*.

Future tense contraction for verbs in -ere

Prevederò -> Prevedrò.

Irregular past participle agreement

Le piogge sono *previste*.

Use of 'avere' in compound tenses

Ho previsto il successo.

Passive voice with 'essere'

L'evento è previsto per domani.

Examples by Level

Il meteo prevede sole per domani.

The weather predicts sun for tomorrow.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Prevedo una bella giornata.

I predict a beautiful day.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Cosa prevede il tempo?

What does the weather predict?

Question form.

Il signore prevede pioggia.

The gentleman predicts rain.

Subject-verb agreement.

Come previsto, siamo arrivati.

As expected, we have arrived.

Fixed expression with past participle.

Non posso prevedere tutto.

I cannot predict everything.

Modal verb + infinitive.

La radio prevede vento forte.

The radio predicts strong wind.

Present tense.

Prevedo che tu sia felice.

I predict that you are (will be) happy.

Simple use with 'che'.

Il treno è previsto alle otto.

The train is expected at eight.

Passive construction with 'essere'.

Prevedo di andare al mare sabato.

I expect to go to the seaside on Saturday.

Prevedere di + infinitive.

Hai previsto tutto per la festa?

Did you foresee everything for the party?

Passato prossimo with 'avere'.

Il programma prevede una pausa.

The program provides for a break.

Prevedere meaning 'to include'.

Non avevo previsto questo freddo.

I hadn't foreseen this cold.

Trapassato prossimo.

Prevediamo molti ospiti stasera.

We expect many guests tonight.

1st person plural present.

È previsto un ritardo di un'ora.

A delay of one hour is expected.

Impersonal construction.

Prevedo che vinceremo la partita.

I predict that we will win the match.

Prevedere che + future.

Il contratto prevede ferie pagate.

The contract provides for paid holidays.

Formal usage meaning 'to stipulate'.

Non potevo prevedere la tua reazione.

I couldn't have foreseen your reaction.

Infinitive after 'potere'.

Le previsioni prevedono un inverno mite.

The forecasts predict a mild winter.

Noun and verb from the same root.

Abbiamo previsto un budget di mille euro.

We have planned a budget of a thousand euros.

Meaning 'to budget' or 'to allocate'.

Cosa prevedi per il tuo futuro?

What do you foresee for your future?

Reflexive/Personal question.

Il piano non prevedeva questa spesa.

The plan didn't provide for this expense.

Imperfect tense.

Tutto sta andando come previsto.

Everything is going as planned.

Gerund + 'come previsto'.

Prevedo che il prezzo aumenterà ancora.

I predict that the price will increase further.

Future tense in the subordinate clause.

La legge prevede sanzioni severe.

The law provides for severe sanctions.

Legal register.

Nessuno avrebbe potuto prevedere il crollo.

No one could have foreseen the collapse.

Conditional perfect.

Il progetto prevede la costruzione di un ponte.

The project involves the construction of a bridge.

Stipulative meaning.

Prevedrò ogni dettaglio del viaggio.

I will foresee every detail of the trip.

Contracted future tense.

È previsto che i lavori finiscano a giugno.

It is expected that the works will finish in June.

Passive + subjunctive.

Non prevediamo ostacoli particolari.

We don't foresee any particular obstacles.

Professional tone.

Avevo previsto che saresti arrivato tardi.

I had foreseen that you would arrive late.

Past conditional in subordinate.

Il regolamento prevede l'uso della mascherina.

The regulation requires the use of a mask.

Formal requirement.

Si prevede un'ampia partecipazione popolare.

A wide popular participation is expected.

Si passivante construction.

Il sistema deve prevedere scenari di emergenza.

The system must account for emergency scenarios.

Meaning 'to account for'.

Difficilmente si può prevedere l'esito del voto.

It is difficult to predict the outcome of the vote.

Adverbial phrase modifying the verb.

L'accordo prevede clausole di salvaguardia.

The agreement includes safeguard clauses.

Technical legal language.

Avevano previsto tutto, tranne l'imprevedibile.

They had foreseen everything, except the unpredictable.

Rhetorical contrast.

Prevedo che la situazione possa degenerare.

I foresee that the situation might degenerate.

Subjunctive for uncertainty.

La riforma prevede lo stanziamento di fondi.

The reform provides for the allocation of funds.

Administrative register.

Nulla lasciava prevedere una simile tragedia.

Nothing allowed one to foresee such a tragedy.

Literary construction.

L'epistemologia prevede limiti alla conoscenza.

Epistemology posits limits to knowledge.

Philosophical usage.

Il codice civile prevede la risoluzione del contratto.

The civil code provides for the termination of the contract.

Specific legal reference.

Occorre prevedere ogni possibile variabile.

It is necessary to account for every possible variable.

Impersonal 'occorre'.

La teoria non prevede eccezioni alla regola.

The theory does not allow for exceptions to the rule.

Scientific/Theoretical register.

Prevederne le conseguenze è compito arduo.

Foreseeing its consequences is an arduous task.

Infinitive with enclitic pronoun.

L'ordinamento prevede la tutela dei minori.

The legal system provides for the protection of minors.

Juridical terminology.

Benché previsto, il fenomeno stupì tutti.

Although expected, the phenomenon amazed everyone.

Concessive clause with past participle.

È utopico prevedere una società senza conflitti.

It is utopian to foresee a society without conflicts.

Abstract argumentative use.

Common Collocations

prevedere il futuro

prevedere pioggia

prevedere una spesa

la legge prevede

prevedere le conseguenze

prevedere un aumento

prevedere un ritardo

prevedere il peggio

prevedere una clausola

prevedere un intervento

Common Phrases

Come previsto

— As expected or as planned. Used to confirm a previous prediction.

Come previsto, il treno è arrivato in orario.

Salvo imprevisti

— Unless something unexpected happens. Barring the unforeseen.

Ci vediamo alle sei, salvo imprevisti.

Tutto come previsto

— Everything is going according to plan.

La missione è stata completata, tutto come previsto.

Era previsto

— It was expected or scheduled.

Il discorso del sindaco era previsto per le dieci.

Non era previsto

— It was not expected or planned. A surprise.

Questo intoppo proprio non era previsto.

Prevedere l'imprevedibile

— To try to account for things that cannot be predicted.

In politica bisogna sempre prevedere l'imprevedibile.

Cosa prevedi?

— What do you think will happen? What is your prediction?

Cosa prevedi per la partita di stasera?

Lo avevo previsto

— I saw it coming. I predicted it.

Lo avevo previsto che saresti tornato da lei.

Secondo quanto previsto

— According to what is stipulated or expected.

Abbiamo agito secondo quanto previsto dal regolamento.

Per quanto si possa prevedere

— As far as one can tell or predict.

Per quanto si possa prevedere, l'estate sarà calda.

Often Confused With

prevedere vs provvedere

Means to take care of or provide for a need, not to predict.

prevedere vs predire

More related to prophecy and telling the future, often mystical.

prevedere vs vedere

Simple physical sight, whereas prevedere is mental foresight.

Idioms & Expressions

"prevedere il peggio per sperare il meglio"

— To prepare for the worst while hoping for the best outcome.

In affari bisogna prevedere il peggio per sperare il meglio.

informal

"prevedere le mosse di qualcuno"

— To anticipate someone's actions or strategy.

Il campione di scacchi sa prevedere le mosse dell'avversario.

neutral

"non vedere oltre il proprio naso"

— To have no foresight; to be unable to see future consequences (opposite of prevedere).

Quel politico non vede oltre il proprio naso.

informal

"mettere le mani avanti"

— To take precautions before something happens (related to the act of prevedere).

Lui mette sempre le mani avanti prevedendo critiche.

informal

"leggere il futuro"

— To literally read the future (often used sarcastically with prevedere).

Non posso prevedere cosa farà, non so leggere il futuro!

informal

"prevedere mari e monti"

— To predict grand things that might not happen.

Il candidato prevedeva mari e monti, ma non ha fatto nulla.

informal

"giocare d'anticipo"

— To act before something happens based on a prediction.

Abbiamo giocato d'anticipo prevedendo la crisi.

neutral

"un finale scontato"

— A predictable ending (where everyone could 'prevedere' the end).

Il film era noioso, un finale scontato.

neutral

"prevedere col senno di poi"

— To 'predict' something after it has already happened (hindsight).

Tutti sono bravi a prevedere col senno di poi.

neutral

"essere un libro aperto"

— To be very predictable (easy to 'prevedere').

Tuo fratello è un libro aperto, prevedo ogni sua parola.

informal

Easily Confused

prevedere vs provvedere

Similar spelling and sound.

Provvedere is 'to provide/take care of' (provvedere alla cena), while prevedere is 'to foresee' (prevedere il futuro).

Io provvedo al cibo, tu prevedi il tempo.

prevedere vs predire

Similar meaning (predict).

Predire is 'to tell' (dire) the future, often via magic. Prevedere is 'to see' (vedere) based on signs or logic.

Il meteo prevede la pioggia, la maga predice la fortuna.

prevedere vs presagire

Both deal with the future.

Presagire is more literary and often refers to bad omens.

Le nuvole nere presagiscono un disastro.

prevedere vs ipotizzare

Both involve guessing the future.

Ipotizzare is making a scientific guess or hypothesis.

Gli scienziati ipotizzano la presenza di acqua su Marte.

prevedere vs anticipare

Both involve time before an event.

Anticipare is to do something earlier than scheduled.

Ho anticipato la riunione di un'ora.

Sentence Patterns

Il meteo prevede [noun].

Il meteo prevede sole.

Prevedo di [infinitive].

Prevedo di uscire presto.

Prevedo che [future verb].

Prevedo che pioverà.

È previsto [noun].

È previsto un ritardo.

La legge prevede che [subjunctive].

La legge prevede che si paghi una tassa.

Non avevo previsto che [conditional].

Non avevo previsto che saresti venuto.

Si prevede un [noun].

Si prevede un calo dei prezzi.

[Infinitive] + ne è difficile.

Prevederne l'esito è difficile.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Italian.

Common Mistakes

Io ho preveduto. → Io ho previsto.
The past participle of vedere/prevedere is irregular in modern Italian.
Prevedo di un successo. → Prevedo un successo.
Prevedere is a transitive verb and does not need 'di' before a noun.
Prevederò alla cena. → Provvederò alla cena.
You use 'provvedere' to mean 'to take care of' something.
La legge predice... → La legge prevede...
Laws 'stipulate' (prevedere), they don't 'prophesy' (predire).
Sono previsto pioggia. → È prevista pioggia.
The subject is pioggia (feminine), and the verb should be in the third person.

Tips

Past Participle

Always remember 'previsto'. It is one of the most common words in Italian daily life.

Weather

Whenever you check the weather, think 'Il meteo prevede...' to practice.

Future Tense

Use the contracted form 'prevedrò' to sound more like a native.

Legal Italian

In official documents, 'prevedere' means 'to stipulate'—don't translate it as 'to predict' there.

Announcements

Listen for 'è previsto' at train stations—it’s the most common way to hear the passive form.

Subjunctive

If your prediction is uncertain, use the subjunctive after 'prevedo che' to show nuance.

Pre + Vedere

Break the word down! Pre (before) + Vedere (to see) = To see before.

Hindsight

Use 'Lo avevo previsto!' when you want to say 'I told you so!' in a friendly way.

Salvo Imprevisti

Learn 'Salvo imprevisti' (barring the unforeseen) as a single chunk—it's very useful.

Provvedere Confusion

Don't confuse it with 'provvedere'. Prevedere is seeing, provvedere is doing/providing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'PRE-VIEW'. When you PRE-vedere, you are getting a VIEW of the future BE-fore (PRE) it happens.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of binoculars that can see through time into tomorrow. Label them 'I Prevedori'.

Word Web

futuro meteo piano legge contratto occhi mente dati

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your next vacation using 'prevedere', 'previsto', and 'prevedrò'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'praevidere', which is a combination of 'prae' (before) and 'videre' (to see).

Original meaning: To see in advance, to have foresight.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to sound like a 'fortune teller' in serious scientific contexts; use 'ipotizzare' instead.

English speakers often use 'expect' or 'predict' interchangeably, but in Italian 'prevedere' is the standard for both formal and informal forecasting.

The TV segment 'Meteo' on RAI. Legal formulas in the 'Codice Civile'. Dante's use of foresight in the Divine Comedy.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecast

Le previsioni prevedono...
È prevista pioggia.
Si prevede sole.
Non è previsto vento.

Legal/Contracts

La legge prevede...
Il contratto prevede una penale.
Cosa prevede l'articolo?
Non è previsto dal regolamento.

Travel

L'arrivo è previsto per...
È previsto un ritardo.
Come previsto dall'orario.
Il volo prevede uno scalo.

Business

Prevediamo una crescita.
Il budget prevede...
Dobbiamo prevedere i rischi.
Analisi delle previsioni.

Personal Life

Lo avevo previsto.
Non potevo prevederlo.
Cosa prevedi per domani?
Tutto come previsto.

Conversation Starters

"Cosa prevede il meteo per questo weekend in montagna?"

"Avevi previsto che la partita finisse con questo risultato?"

"Cosa prevede il tuo contratto riguardo alle ferie estive?"

"Pensi che sia possibile prevedere l'andamento della borsa?"

"Qual è l'evento più imprevisto che ti sia mai capitato?"

Journal Prompts

Scrivi di una volta in cui avevi previsto qualcosa che poi è successo davvero.

Cosa prevedi per la tua carriera tra cinque anni? Descrivi i tuoi piani.

Se potessi prevedere il futuro, quale informazione vorresti conoscere per prima?

Descrivi cosa prevede la tua giornata ideale dall'inizio alla fine.

Rifletti su un evento imprevisto che ha cambiato la tua vita in modo positivo.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is an archaic form found in old books. In modern Italian, always use 'previsto'.

No. If you are very certain (like the weather), use the indicative. If it's a doubt or opinion, use the subjunctive.

'Previsione' is the forecast itself. 'Prevedibilità' is the quality of being predictable.

Yes, to mean you can predict their behavior. 'Prevedo cosa farai'.

Both are correct, but 'prevedrò' is more common and sounds slightly more sophisticated.

Use the word 'imprevisto' (noun) or 'inaspettato' (adjective).

Yes, in formal contexts like 'Il progetto prevede...' (The project plans/includes...).

It uses 'avere' (ho previsto, avevo previsto).

It follows the conjugation of 'vedere', which has some irregularities in the future and past participle.

Usually in the third person: 'Il presente contratto prevede che...'