retrodict
Predict the past
To retrodict is to infer or predict past events based on present evidence or later knowledge—the reverse of ordinary prediction.
Scientists retrodict when they use current data to reconstruct what must have happened earlier: From the crater's size, geologists retrodicted the asteroid's mass.
The term appears mainly in philosophy of science and historical disciplines.
Model past conditions
- backcastRearward fishing stroke
- reconstructionRebuilding after destruction
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
- estimationApproximate value judgment
deduction · inference · projection · modeling · simulation · calculation · derivation · determination
Contemplating past events
- hindsightRecognition after the fact
- reinterpretationNew understanding of something
- reexaminationInspecting something once more
- reconsiderationRenewed evaluation of something
reappraisal · revisiting · rethinking · reassessment · reconstruction · revision · review · reevaluation
Study of physical remnants
- paleontologyStudy of ancient organisms
- carbon-datingIsotope-based age measurement
- fossilsPreserved ancient organism traces
- artifactsHuman-made historical objects
prehistoric · antiquity · origins · evolution · genealogy · reconstruction · chronicle · relics
hindcast
Model past conditions
- backcastRearward fishing stroke
- reconstructionRebuilding after destruction
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
estimation · deduction · inference · projection · modeling · simulation · calculation · derivation · determination · approximation
retrospection
Contemplating past events
- hindsightRecognition after the fact
- reinterpretationNew understanding of something
- reexaminationInspecting something once more
reconsideration · reappraisal · revisiting · rethinking · reassessment · reconstruction · revision · review · reevaluation · postmortem
archaeology
Study of physical remnants
- paleontologyStudy of ancient organisms
- carbon-datingIsotope-based age measurement
- fossilsPreserved ancient organism traces
artifacts · prehistoric · antiquity · origins · evolution · genealogy · reconstruction · chronicle · relics · ruins
retrodictpredict
Declare future outcomes
forecast · prognosticate · foretell · prophesy · anticipate
predict, prediction, retro, predicted, unpredictable, predicting, predictive, predictor, predictions