What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hindcast
Example
The scientists used hindcast data to study the effects of climate change on ocean temperatures. [hindcast: noun]
Example
The researchers were able to hindcast the weather patterns from 50 years ago using advanced computer models. [hindcast: verb]
backcast
Example
The economist used a backcast model to predict the GDP growth rate for the previous year. [backcast: noun]
Example
The historian was able to backcast the social and political factors that led to the outbreak of World War I. [backcast: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hindcast is more commonly used in meteorology and oceanography, while backcast is more commonly used in economics, history, and social sciences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hindcast and backcast?
Both hindcast and backcast are formal words that are typically used in academic or technical writing.