forecaster
UK: /ˈfɔːkɑːstə/ | US: /ˈfɔːrkæstər/
n. a person who predicts or estimates future events, especially weather or economic trends
n. a tool or system used to make predictions
forecaster = fore<before> + cast<throw/project> + er<agent suffix>
- fore (from Old English fore, meaning "before" or "in front of")
- cast (from Old Norse kasta, meaning "to throw" or "to project")
- er (agent suffix indicating a person or tool performing an action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "forecaster" combines "fore" (indicating precedence) with "cast" (originally meaning "to throw," later evolving to "project" or "predict"). The "-er" suffix denotes someone who performs the action. Historically, "forecast" referred to planning ahead (like "throwing" thoughts forward), and by the 17th century, it specialized to weather prediction.
The weather forecaster predicted heavy rain for the weekend.
Economic forecasters are divided about next year’s growth.
She works as a financial forecaster for a major bank.
Ancient sailors relied on natural signs rather than professional forecasters.
The new AI forecaster outperforms human experts in accuracy.