predicates; predicated; predicating
formal
: to base (something) on or upon something else
—usually used as (be) predicated
His theory is predicated on faulty assumptions.
plural predicates
grammar
: the part of a sentence that expresses what is said about the subject
In the sentence "The child threw the ball," the subject is "the child" and the predicate is "threw the ball."
always used before a noun
grammar
: used after a linking verb to describe a noun that comes before the verb
In "the sun is hot," "hot" is a predicate adjective.
Cite this Entry
“Predicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/predicate. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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