The Opposite(Antonym) of “predict”
The antonyms of predict are retrodict and postdict. While predict refers to forecasting or estimating a future event, retrodict and postdict describe the act of inferring or deducing past events.
Explore all Antonyms of “predict”
- retrodict
- postdict
Definitions and Examples of retrodict, postdict
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retrodict
To infer or deduce past events based on present evidence or knowledge.
Example
Based on the fossils found in this area, scientists can retrodict the climate conditions that existed millions of years ago.
postdict
To attribute or assign a past event or condition to a later time or cause.
Example
Some historians argue that we cannot postdict modern concepts of democracy to ancient civilizations.
Key Differences: retrodict vs postdict
- 1Retrodict refers to inferring past events based on present evidence, while predict refers to forecasting future events based on current information.
- 2Postdict refers to attributing past events to a later time or cause, while predict refers to estimating future events based on current information.
Effective Usage of retrodict, postdict
- 1Science: Use retrodict to describe the process of inferring past events based on present evidence in fields such as geology, archaeology, and paleontology.
- 2History: Use postdict to describe the process of attributing past events to a later time or cause in historical research.
- 3Language: Incorporate these antonyms in language learning to expand vocabulary and improve comprehension.
Remember this!
While predict refers to estimating future events, retrodict and postdict describe the act of inferring or deducing past events. Use retrodict to describe the process of inferring past events based on present evidence, and postdict to describe the process of attributing past events to a later time or cause. These antonyms can be used in science, history, and language learning contexts.
