The predictable can be anticipated.
Predictable is that which, due to its characteristics, is capable of being predicted . The action of predicting, on the other hand, consists of anticipating something that will happen in the future .
For example: “It was predictable that the city streets were going to flood: it rained heavily for three hours,” “Although the local team's victory was predictable, the huge difference in the score was surprising,” “Investors only deposit their money in countries whose economies are predictable.”
The predictable, that which can be predicted or foreseen
It can be said, therefore, that the predictable is something that can be predicted or foreseen in advance . It is possible that the prediction is developed thanks to a scientific analysis, a deduction, an induction , a conjecture or by some type of revelation.
If, in a basketball tournament, the United States team (made up of twelve NBA players) must face the representative of Malaysia , it could be said that a victory for the American team is predictable. The difference in background and the individual talent of both teams make the victory of the United States very likely, which allows the result of the match to be “predicted.”
A meteorologist, for his part, can predict what the weather will be like in the coming days by analyzing various data. By having instruments and technologies that allow the study of wind, cloud characteristics, environmental humidity, etc., this professional can anticipate if it will rain the next day or if the temperature will be high. It can be said, therefore, that climatic conditions are predictable .
Thanks to technology and the knowledge of specialists, weather is predictable in the short term.
Anticipate actions
The term predictable is often used to negatively describe a person's behavior or way of being, especially in close relationships. For example, parents can use this adjective when they scold their children if they have done a prank or made a mistake that is very typical of them. This possibility of predicting the actions of others can have different nuances: depending on the consequences and the environment, it can be something funny or a sign that indicates the need to find a solution .
It is predictable that an alcoholic person with a tendency to behave violently when in public ruins parties and meetings with friends, but this should not be taken as a trait that characterizes him, but rather as a problem to be solved before it causes irreparable damage.
In a case like this, saying that "it was predictable that he would get drunk and hit another guest" is not constructive and ironically falls into the set of predictable facts; On the contrary, seeking psychological help for said individual or approaching him and trying to raise awareness so that he can overcome his problems is the recommended attitude .
The notion of predictable in computing
Within the scope of computer program development, the term predictable can be used to describe the appearance of certain errors ( bugs ); In fact, during the testing phase it is normal for testers to intentionally look for these to take place, unlike other problems that arise unexpectedly.
For example, in a 3D video game, during the development stage, if the programmers point out that collision detection with objects behind the main character is not carried out every frame, but every two, it is predictable that At some point it may be possible to go through a wall or some other element of the stage. Therefore, the testers' job will be to go with their backs against all the objects and in the most abrupt way possible, walking and jumping; Since passing through them would be a predictable error, it should be discarded first, and then focus on those that are not.