Reading Theme:
Predictable: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：easily anticipated (predictable)
predictable
/prɪˈdɪktəbl/
adj.
If something is predictable, you know what will happen because it always happens that way, or you can guess easily.
easily anticipated
➕
/ˈiːz.ə.li ænˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪ.tɪd/
adj.
Describes something that happens in a way that can be known or guessed in advance due to its regularity or obviousness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'predict' (pre- 'before' + dict 'to say') + -able, meaning capable of being foretold.
💡 Mnemonic
Pre-dict-able: you can 'say before' what will happen.
📖 Example
The plot of the movie was so predictable that I guessed the ending within the first twenty minutes.
The movie's storyline was obvious, allowing me to guess the conclusion quickly.
🔗 Collocations
predictable outcome – a result that can be easily foreseen
predictable pattern – a consistent and expected sequence
highly predictable – very easy to anticipate
🔄 Synonyms
foreseeable (adj.) – able to be predicted or anticipated
expected (adj.) – regarded as likely to happen
anticipated (adj.) – expected or predicted beforehand
🚫 Antonyms
unpredictable (adj.) – not able to be predicted; changing unexpectedly
surprising (adj.) – causing surprise; not expected
unexpected (adj.) – not expected or anticipated
🌱 Derivatives
predictability (n.) – the quality of being predictable
predictably (adv.) – in a predictable manner
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'praedicere' meaning 'to foretell'. Entered English via Old French. Now commonly used to describe routine events or behaviors that lack surprise, such as in weather forecasts or daily habits.
Meaning 2：habitually consistent (predictable)
predictable
/prɪˈdɪktəbl/
adj.
If a person is predictable, they always do the same things or react in the same way, so they are boring or easy to understand.
habitually consistent
➕
/həˈbɪtʃ.u.ə.li kənˈsɪs.tənt/
adj.
Describes a person who always behaves or reacts in the same way, making them easy to understand or boring.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My colleague is so predictable; he always orders the same chicken sandwich for lunch every single day.
My coworker never varies his lunch choice, showing a lack of spontaneity.
🔗 Collocations
predictable behavior – actions that are consistently the same
predictable routine – a daily schedule that rarely changes
utterly predictable – completely lacking in surprise
🔄 Synonyms
routine (adj.) – following a regular pattern
habitual (adj.) – done constantly as a habit
consistent (adj.) – always behaving in the same way
🚫 Antonyms
unpredictable (adj.) – not consistent in behavior
spontaneous (adj.) – performed or occurring without preplanning
variable (adj.) – likely to change; not constant
🌱 Derivatives
predictability (n.) – the quality of being predictable
predictably (adv.) – in a predictable manner
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