The part of the sentence (or clause) which states a property that a subject has or is characterized by.
A guide to predicate
• A term of a statement, where the statement may be true or false depending on whether the thing referred to by the values of the statement's variables has the property signified by that (predicative) term.
• An operator, expression, or function that returns either true or false.
(Adjective) Of or related to the predicate of a sentence or clause.
• Predicated, stated.
• Relating to or being any of a series of criminal acts upon which prosecution for racketeering may be predicated.
(Verb) To announce, assert, or proclaim publicly.
• To assume or suppose; to infer.
• To base (on); to assert on the grounds of.
• To make a term (or expression) the predicate of a statement.
• To assert or state as an attribute or quality of something.
Why predicate is relevant in U.S. law
predicate appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.
When and how predicate applies
In practice, predicate is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wiktionary , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.