What is forecast? Pronunciation and usage in English

forecast means . Learn how to pronounce and use forecast through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of forecast

forecastverb

/ˈfɔːkɑːst/
Definition & pronunciation of forecast

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "forecast." It's a common stumbling block for non-native English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • FOR-kast

Let’s break it down further:

  • FOR: Like the word "for" (as in "for you"). It’s a short, crisp sound.
  • kast: This is the tricky part. It sounds like "cast" (as in "throw a cast") but with a slightly shorter “a” sound. It's a quick, light syllable.

Here’s a more detailed phonetic breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA - which can be helpful for those who want to get really precise):

/ˈfɔːrkɑːst/

  • ˈfɔːrk: (The 'ˈ' symbol indicates primary stress - it’s the loudest part of the word). The "ɔː" is a broad "aw" sound, like in "caught" or "taught."
  • ɑːst: The "ɑː" is a longer "a" sound, like in "father.”

Tips for saying it correctly:

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  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "forecast"?

Usage and examples with the word forecast in English

Let's break down how to use the word "forecast" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, primarily relating to predicting the future.

1. As a Verb (to predict):

This is the most common usage. "Forecast" means to predict or estimate something, often about the weather, economics, or trends.

  • Weather: "The meteorologist has a forecast for rain tomorrow." "The forecast is calling for sunshine and 25 degrees Celsius."
  • Economics: "Analysts are forecasting a slowdown in economic growth." "The company's forecast shows increased profits next quarter."
  • Trends: "Marketing experts are forecasting a rise in demand for sustainable products." “The report forecasts a shift in consumer preferences.”
  • General predictions: “I’m going to forecast that this will be a long, difficult project.”

Examples:

  • "Let's forecast the stock market's performance for the next year."
  • "The scientists are forecasting a significant rise in sea levels."
  • "The coach forecast a challenging game against their rivals."

2. As a Noun (a prediction):

When used as a noun, “forecast” refers to the prediction itself.

  • Weather Forecast: "I checked the weather forecast before I left."
  • Economic Forecast: "The economic forecast is pessimistic."
  • Market Forecast: "They released a detailed market forecast this morning."

Examples:

  • "She consulted the forecast before making her travel plans."
  • "The economists presented their latest forecast to the board."

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • Forecast vs. Prediction: "Forecast" typically implies a more formal or professional prediction, often based on data and analysis. "Prediction" is a more general term. You could say "He made a prediction that it would snow," but you’d likely use “forecast” in a meteorological context.

  • Forecasted vs. Forecasting:

    • Forecasted is the past participle (used with auxiliary verbs like "has," "had," "were," etc.): "The forecast was accurate."
    • Forecasting is the present participle (used with "is," "are," "was," "were," etc.): “The agency is forecasting a heatwave.”

Here's a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To predict, estimate "The weather forecast predicts thunder."
Noun A prediction, estimate “Let’s read the weather forecast.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in using "forecast" in? (e.g., weather, business, general conversation?)

Synonyms for the word forecast

Practice with vocabulary forecast

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The meteorologist delivered the weekly weather ______ on the evening news.
  2. Based on current trends, the company's financial ______ for the next quarter looks promising, exceeding initial targets.
  3. Scientists can often ______ the likelihood of an earthquake, though not its exact timing, by studying seismic activity.
  4. The economic ______ for the coming year appears challenging due to global instability and supply chain issues.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. What is the best word to describe a prediction about future weather conditions, typically based on scientific data and analysis? A) guess B) assumption C) forecast D) speculation

  2. Which of the following terms can describe a formal statement or calculation about a company's expected financial performance in the future? (Select all that apply) A) projection B) conjecture C) forecast D) estimate E) hunch

  3. The research team used complex climate models to _____ the long-term effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities. A) anticipate B) hypothesize C) forecast D) speculate

  4. Which word best describes the general future possibility or likelihood of success for a new business venture or career path? A) prospect B) prophecy C) premonition D) warning

  5. To clearly _____ the potential challenges and opportunities of a market shift requires keen insight and analytical skills. (Select all that apply) A) conceive B) envision C) foresee D) hypothesize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Experts believe that the global economy will grow steadily next year. Rewrite the sentence using "forecast" or a related word form.

  2. Original: The meteorologist gave a detailed prediction of the weather for the upcoming weekend. Rewrite the sentence using "forecast" or a related word form.

  3. Original: The project manager made an educated guess about the budget requirements for the next phase. Rewrite the sentence, but do not use "forecast" or any of its forms; use a suitable replacement word.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. forecast
  2. forecast
  3. predict
  4. outlook

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) forecast
  2. A) projection, C) forecast, D) estimate
  3. C) forecast
  4. A) prospect
  5. B) envision, C) foresee

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The economic forecast from experts is for steady global growth next year.
  2. The meteorologist forecasted detailed weather for the upcoming weekend.
  3. The project manager provided a budget estimate for the next phase.

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