2 syllables: fore, casts. Stress on fore.
/ˈfɔɹ.kæsts/
Say it backForecasts is the plural noun or verb form meaning a prediction or estimate of future events, especially weather or economic trends. In everyday use, it refers to statements about what will happen, often issued by meteorologists or analysts. The term combines the verb forecast with the -s plural marker, making it a two-syllable word in common pronunciation.
"The weather service forecasts rain for tomorrow."
"Analysts forecast higher inflation next quarter."
"The meteorologist forecasts thunderstorms by late afternoon."
Pronounce as two syllables: /ˈfɔːrˌkæsts/ or /ˈfɔː.kɑːsts/ depending on accent. Start with a stressed 'FOR' (/fɔːr/ in US and UK) using rounded lips, then transition to the 'casts' (/kæsts/ or /ˈkɑːsts/) with a clear /k/ onset and a short, crisp /s/ at the end. In US English, the 'r' is rhotic. In careful speech, you’ll hear a brief consonant link between syllables; in rapid speech, it can sound like FOR-kasts. IPA references: US /ˈfɔːrˌkæsts/, UK /ˈfɔː.kɑːsts/.
Two frequent mistakes: merging into one syllable (for-casts) without the middle boundary; and pronouncing the second syllable with a long ‘a’ as in ‘past’ in some accents. Correction: keep a distinct second syllable with /kæsts/ (US) or /kɑːsts/ (UK). Ensure the /r/ is pronounced in rhotic varieties and avoid devoicing the final /s/. Practicing with minimal pairs can help: FOR-kasts vs FOR-scasts isn’t typical; drill separating /r/ and /k/ and holding the final /s/.
In US English, you have /ˈfɔːˌkæsts/ with rhotic /r/ and a crisp /æ/ in the second syllable. UK English tends to /ˈfɔː.kɑːsts/ with a longer, slightly backer second vowel and non-rhoticity for some speakers, though many Southern UK speakers are rhotic. Australian English is usually /ˈfɔːˌkɑːsts/ with a closer fronted /æ/ or open /ɑː/ depending on region, and a strong final /s/. The key is consistent two-syllable rhythm and clear /k/ onset before /æsts/ or /ɑːsts/.
Because it blends a stressed first syllable with a fast consonant cluster starting with /k/ and ending with /sts/. The /r/ in rhotic varieties can complicate the transition from /r/ to /k/; in non-rhotic accents the /r/ may be silent, changing the flow. The final /s/ can devoice in rapid speech. Additionally, the vowel in the second syllable shifts between /æ/ (short a) and /ɑː/ in some dialects, affecting energy distribution and timing.
Pay attention to the boundary between syllables: the consonant cluster /rk/ is not a single unit; you need an audible transition from /r/ to /k/. The stress remains on the first syllable; ensuring an audible release of /k/ before the /æ/ or /ɑː/ helps sound natural. Also, keep the final /s/ crisp rather than letting the word trail into a vowel.
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Forecasts derives from the verb forecast, which dates back to Middle English forecassen, from Old English forcaessen or forms of the proto-Germanic root *ga- meaning ‘before’ and *kas- meaning ‘to think, imagine’. The modern sense—an estimate of future events—emerged in the 16th–17th centuries with nautical and meteorological usage expanding to weather and economic contexts. The noun form forecasts appears in print by the early 1800s, particularly in meteorology notes and economic reports, distinguishing forecast (singular) from forecasts (plural). The semantic shift tightened around predictive statements about future conditions, communication of probabilities, and official forecasts from weather services, central banks, and planning agencies. Over time, forecasts has specialized collocations (weather forecasts, inflation forecasts, forecast horizon) but retains general use for any predictive statement. Etymology tracks the broadening of meaning from act of foreseeing to formalized prediction across domains. First known usage citations appear in meteorological journals and travel logs where captains referenced weather forecasts to plan routes. Modern usage carries nuance about uncertainty and confidence levels (e.g., forecast uncertainty), reflecting advances in data-driven predictions.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "forecasts" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "forecasts"
-sts sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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