Prédire vs. prévoir
While both 'prédire' and 'prévoir' relate to future events, they have subtle differences in usage and connotation in French.
Prédire
'Prédire' means to predict or foretell, often implying a sense of certainty or claiming to know what will happen in the future. It's frequently used for prophecies, fortune-telling, or confident assertions about future events.
L'astrologue prétend pouvoir prédire l'avenir.
(The astrologer claims to be able to predict the future.)
Les scientifiques ont prédit une éclipse solaire pour l'année prochaine.
(Scientists have predicted a solar eclipse for next year.)
Personne n'aurait pu prédire le succès fulgurant de cette start-up.
(No one could have predicted the meteoric success of this start-up.)
Prévoir
'Prévoir' means to foresee, anticipate, or plan for future events. It's more about making preparations or expectations based on current information, rather than claiming to know the future with certainty.
Il faut prévoir un parapluie, la météo annonce de la pluie.
(We should plan for an umbrella, the weather forecast calls for rain.)
L'entreprise prévoit une augmentation des ventes au prochain trimestre.
(The company anticipates an increase in sales next quarter.)
Nous avons prévu assez de nourriture pour tout le monde à la fête.
(We've planned for enough food for everyone at the party.)
Summary
While 'prédire' is used for more definitive predictions or prophecies, 'prévoir' is about anticipating and planning for potential future events. 'Prédire' implies a stronger claim of knowing what will happen, whereas 'prévoir' suggests making educated guesses and preparations based on available information.