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Does this word even exist?

Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 2:55 am
by Thineswar
I would like to know of a word that can be used to describe a prediction of both the past and the future. Please help.

Re: Does this word even exist?

Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 7:42 pm
by McTag
Hi Thineswar! Are you looking for a noun or a verb?

By definition, a prediction describes a declaration made in advance of an event.
Therefore we cannot predict the past.

If you are looking for a verb, then I have tried to answer your question here:
I think people often use the word predict when talking about the past, so this can be confusing. For example, someone might say "I predict that X (an event in the past) caused Y (an effect noticed in the present)". It might be more suitable to replace the verb 'predict' with the verb 'guess' or 'suppose' or 'suspect'.
E.g. "I suspect that X caused Y." Or "I suspect that gravity caused that apple on the ground to fall from its tree."

Re: Does this word even exist?

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:36 am
by Thineswar
thank you.

but you are missing the point. what happens when you do not know what happened in the past? can it be considered then a prediction?
anyway, my main question is that, is there a word that could describe a prediction made for the future and the past?

Re: Does this word even exist?

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 4:54 am
by ChefMalo
A guess?

Re: Does this word even exist?

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 12:15 am
by DavidAmes
A past event implies a future occurrence.

A past event foretells a future occurrence.

Re: Does this word even exist?

Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 12:03 am
by poiuytagna
try omni-
as in omni-present: always happening.

I know it is typically a prefix, but creation of a word is based on the need for it.