Predictable

/prɪˈdɪktəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Something that can be foreseen or expected because it follows a known pattern or habit.

Etymology

From Latin 'praedicere' (pre- 'before' + dicere 'to say'), meaning 'to say beforehand.' The suffix '-able' means 'capable of being.'

Kelly Says

Paradoxically, people say they dislike predictable things, yet our brains actually crave patterns and predictability—that's why we love routines and why unexpected things make us uncomfortable, even when they're exciting.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.