Pronunciation: [fˈɔːkast] (IPA) 
The word "forecast" is spelled with two syllables: "fore" and "cast". The IPA phonetic transcription for "forecast" is /ˈfɔːrkæst/. The first syllable "fore" is pronounced like "for" with a long "o" and "e" sound, while the second syllable "cast" is pronounced like "kast" with a short "a" sound. The word "forecast" means to predict or estimate a future event, typically related to the weather or financial market.
The term "forecast" refers to a detailed prediction, estimate, or projection of future events, conditions, or trends based on available information and data analysis. It involves the use of various techniques, methodologies, and tools to anticipate what might happen in the future.
In the context of weather, a forecast is a prediction of expected atmospheric conditions such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and cloud cover for a specific time and location. Meteorologists employ scientific models, historical patterns, and real-time data to generate weather forecasts, enabling people to plan their activities accordingly.
In the field of finance, a forecast is a prediction of future financial performance, including revenue, expenses, profits, and cash flow. It helps individuals, businesses, and investors make informed decisions regarding investments, budgeting, and resource allocation.
In business and economics, forecasting involves analyzing historical data, market trends, and economic indicators to predict future demand, sales, production, or market conditions. It assists organizations in making strategic decisions about pricing, inventory management, marketing campaigns, and expansion plans.
Forecasting is also used in various other disciplines such as transportation, population growth, sales, and sports. It aims to reduce uncertainty by providing insights into possible future outcomes, allowing individuals and organizations to plan, prepare, and make informed decisions to achieve favorable results. However, it is important to note that forecasts are not absolute predictions but rather educated estimations based on available information and assumptions.
• Previous contrivance; foresight.
• To foresee; to plan before execution.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "forecast" has its origins in Middle English and is derived from the Old English word "forecǣst", which can be broken down into "fore" meaning "before" and "cǣst" meaning "an idea or thought". Thus, "forecast" originally referred to the act of thinking or imagining something before it happened. Over time, the term evolved to specifically indicate predicting or foretelling the weather, as well as more generally predicting future events or trends.
