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# predictable

adjective (predictable; more predictable, most predictable)

«predictable» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Able to be guessed or known before it happens: «Tides are predictable.» [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#m1)
2. Always doing the same thing, so you know what will happen; sometimes boring: «a predictable ending». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#m2)

### In the lessons

In maths and science predictable patterns let you say what comes next (number sequences, tides, the seasons). In stories a predictable plot is one where you guess the ending. In everyday life a predictable routine helps people feel safe. Phrases: «a predictable pattern», «utterly predictable», «predictable results».

### Examples

- The number pattern 2, 4, 6, 8 is predictable. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#x1)
- The film was so predictable that I guessed the ending. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#x2)
- Babies like a predictable bedtime routine. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#x3)
- Sunrise times are predictable for every day of the year. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#x4)
- Our dog is predictable: he always barks at the bin lorry. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#x5)
- Weather is not always predictable, so take a coat. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#x6)
- Coin tosses are not predictable; each one is a 50-50 chance. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/#x7)

### Note

Opposite: unpredictable. Noun: predictability; adverb: predictably. Calling a person or story «predictable» can be a mild criticism. In maths, a predictable pattern has a rule you can use to find the next number.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «predictable» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/predictable/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«predictable» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/predictable.html) on Mova free.