1. relating to or involving the explanation of past events based on present knowledge or evidence
Usage: technical; often used in scientific contexts

Examples

• The scientist used retrodictive analysis to explain how the ancient climate changed.
• Retrodictive models help researchers understand what caused the extinction event.
• The theory’s retrodictive power was demonstrated by its ability to explain historical data.
• Archaeologists employ retrodictive reasoning to reconstruct past civilizations.
• The retrodictive approach allowed them to trace the source of the contamination.
• His retrodictive study revealed patterns in the economic collapse.