predictive text

English

A typical keypad on a primitive cellphone. On an English-language setup, the input 226 might be interpreted as either can, cam or ban. The user would then have the option to cycle through words, and, if the desired word does not exist, add it for future use.
In a multi-tap setup, on the other hand, can would be encoded by 222 266, with a pause indicated by a space.

Noun

predictive text (uncountable)

1. (computing) A system for inputting text on a device where individual buttons correspond to several characters that attempts to guess which word was intended (typically out of a writable vocabulary), as opposed to a system where disambiguation is achieved through repeated presses of the same key.
2. (computing) A system, as in a word processor, that attempts to predict and autocomplete the text being typed.
   • 2012, Anthony Elliott, Routledge Handbook of Identity Studies, page 138:

     […] whereas before it more ^[sic] akin to a typewriter, nowadays, with built in functions such as spelling check and predictive text, Microsoft Word has evolved to the point where it appears to “know” what you would like to do.

Related terms

• predictive texting
• textonym

Translations

function on certain text messaging software

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 词组联想

• Finnish: ennakoiva tekstinsyöttö, ennustava tekstinsyöttö
• German: Texterkennung f