Difference Between Forecast and Prediction

Main Difference – Forecast vs Prediction

The two nouns, forecast and prediction, which are based on the two nouns forecast and predict have very similar meanings. They both refer to the act of indicating or declaring something that will happen in the future. Although the meanings of the words, forecast and prediction, are basically the same, they are associated with different connotations. Therefore, a difference can be noted in the usage of these two words. The main difference between forecast and prediction is that forecast is mainly used in the context of weather and economy whereas prediction can be used in almost any context.

What Does Forecast Mean

Oxford Dictionary defines forecast as “a calculation or estimate of future events, especially coming weather or a financial trend” In Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is described as a calculation or prediction of some future event, “usually as a result of study and analysis of available pertinent data” Both these definitions imply that forecast involves data, calculations, and analysis. It is not wrong to say that forecast implies a somewhat scientific process of foretelling a future event. And as Oxford dictionary implies this noun is mostly used to describe the weather or trends in business.

They were hoping for a fine weather, and the forecast is promising.

Financial forecast of their company is not good.

The weather forecast has to be updated daily.

Rain is forecast for London.

Business experts forecast a financial crisis.

What Does Prediction Mean

Prediction is a statement about an uncertain event. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, prediction is the act of declaring or indicating something in advance. Oxford Dictionary describes prediction as the act of saying or estimating that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something.

The meaning of prediction is very similar to forecast. Prediction can also be based on observations, experience, and knowledge. However, there are certain differences in their usage. For example, we do not use forecast to refer to a prediction made by a fortune teller. But prediction is sometimes used to describe the weather and economy as well as general predictions.

According to weather predictions, severe rain is expected in the coming months.

The prediction of the fortune teller made him sell his house.

People are making predictions about the winner of the next race.