forecast
UK: /ˈfɔːkɑːst/ | US: /ˈfɔːrkæst/
n. a prediction or estimate of future events, especially weather or financial trends
vt. to predict or estimate (a future event or trend) in advance
The word "forecast" combines the Old English prefix "fore-" (meaning "before" or "ahead") with the verb "cast" (from Old Norse "kasta," meaning "to throw" or "to project"). Historically, "cast" was used in contexts like throwing dice or projecting shadows, which evolved metaphorically into "predicting" or "estimating." By the 14th century, "forecast" emerged as a term for planning or predicting future outcomes, later specializing in weather and financial contexts. The logic reflects projecting ("casting") knowledge ahead ("fore") in time.
The weather forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow.
Economists forecast a recession due to rising inflation.
She carefully forecast the budget for the next fiscal year.
Ancient sailors used stars to forecast storms.
The company’s sales forecast was overly optimistic.