Definition

A type of prediction that focuses on events that have already happened, often used to evaluate theories when future predictions are not practical.

Example

The scientist used retrodiction to analyze past data and validate his theory.

Conversation

I was reading about how scientists use retrodiction to understand past events.

That's interesting! How does that actually work?

They make predictions about the past to test their theories, which can be really revealing.

I see! So it’s like looking back to verify if their ideas hold true.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retrodiction is formed from "retro-" (meaning backward) and "dictio" (from Latin "dicere", meaning to say or declare). The word refers to the act of saying or declaring something about the past, essentially making predictions about past events based on current knowledge.

Memory Tip

Think of 'retro-' meaning backward, and 'dictio' meaning to say — this helps you remember that retrodiction is about saying something about the past.

Visually Confused Words