predicate
UK: ˈprɛdɪkət | US: ˈprɛdɪˌkeɪt
n. the part of a sentence or clause that expresses what is said about the subject
vt. to assert or declare as true or existing
vi. to base or establish (a statement, theory, etc.) on something
The word "predicate" originates from Latin praedicare ("to proclaim, declare"), combining prae- (before) and dicare (to say). The morpheme pre- signifies priority or precedence, while -dic- relates to speech or declaration (seen in words like "dictate" or "diction"). The suffix -ate marks it as a verb. Over time, the term evolved in logic and grammar to denote the part of a sentence that makes a claim about the subject.
In the sentence "Birds fly," "fly" is the predicate.
The theory predicates its conclusions on solid evidence.
She predicated her argument on historical facts.
The predicate of a clause must agree with its subject.
Philosophers often predicate their ideas on abstract principles.