By the dictionary definition a prediction is an attempt to describe a future event. The synonyms (forecast, prophecy, prognosis, prognostication, augury, projection, conjecture, guess) fall into two groups - those related to science or fact based methods (projection, prognosis, forecast and perhaps conjecture) and those based on magic and feelings (prophecy, prognostication, augury, guess)
- In the scientific world a prediction is made by examining the data presented by investigating a hypothesis to develop a theory. The prediction is made by imputing data to the criteria identified by the theory and is defensible.
- In the nonscientific world, a prediction is a wild guess made out of whole cloth based on mystic (tarot cards, tea leaves or prayer) or pseudoscientific measures (pyramid measurement, Astrology, etc ) that are interpreted to say or imply that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something that almost never is realized and which cannot be defended except to "true believers"
