What does predicate mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/pɹɪˈdɪkeɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A predicate is a term in grammar and logic that refers to the part of a sentence or proposition that says something about the subject, typically expressing a property, action, or state of being.

Examples

• In the sentence “The cat sleeps,” “sleeps” is the predicate.
• The predicate in the sentence “The dog is happy” is “is happy.”

Synonyms

• Assertion
• Statement

Antonyms

• Subject
• Object

Additional Information

In logic, a predicate is a function that takes one or more arguments and returns a truth value. In linguistics, predicates are used to describe the action or state of being of a subject. Understanding predicates is essential in grasping the structure and meaning of sentences.

Predicates can be classified into different types, such as action predicates, state predicates, and linking predicates. Action predicates describe an action performed by the subject, while state predicates describe a state of being. Linking predicates connect the subject to additional information.

Usage Notes

Predicates are used in various contexts, including logic, linguistics, and computer science. In logic, predicates are used to form propositions and arguments. In linguistics, predicates are used to describe the grammatical structure of sentences. In computer science, predicates are used in programming languages to define conditions and rules.

Cultural References

The concept of predicates has been explored in various cultural and philosophical contexts, including the works of Aristotle and Gottlob Frege.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Predicate logic
• Predicate calculus

Related Words or Phrases

• Argument
• Proposition

Collocations

• Predicate and subject
• Predicate and object

Frequency of Use

The word “predicate” is commonly used in academic and technical contexts, particularly in fields such as logic, linguistics, and computer science.

• Predicat
• Predicte