A method of speeding up CPU processing by guessing the correct execution path. Predication simulates the execution of all outcomes of an upcoming branch instruction ahead of time, and when the correct branch is finally known, the incorrect branch sequences are discarded.
Predication vs. Branch Prediction
Predication executes both paths, but if wrong, there is a low penalty. Contrast with "branch prediction," where the outcome is predicted, and if it is incorrect, there is a greater loss of machine cycles. See
branch prediction and
branch.