predicate

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   In grammar, the part of a sentence or clause that says something about the subject, usually containing the verb.

   In the sentence "The dog barked loudly," the predicate is "barked loudly."

2. 2
   verb

   To base something on a particular fact, idea, or condition.

   Their entire plan was predicated on the assumption that prices would keep rising.

3. 3
   verb

   To state or assert that something is true of a subject.

   The report predicated the candidate's success on her strong record.

From Middle English predicat(e), from Old French predicat (French prédicat), from Medieval Latin praedicātum (“thing said of a subject, predicate”), substantivized from the nominative neuter singular of praedicātus, the perfect passive participle praedicō (“to proclaim”), see -ate (noun-forming suffix); see also Etymology 2 below. The adjective was derived from the noun by metanalysis, see -ate (adjective-forming suffix).

Topics