retrospect

[ re-truh-spekt ]

noun

1. contemplation of the past; a survey of past time, events, etc.

verb (used without object)

1. to look back in thought; refer back (often followed by to ):

   to retrospect to a period in one's youth.

verb (used with object)

1. to look back upon; contemplate retrospectively.

retrospect

/ ˈrɛtrəʊˌspɛkt /

noun

1. the act of surveying things past (often in the phrase in retrospect )

verb

1. to contemplate (anything past); look back on (something)
2. introften foll byto to refer

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrospect¹

1595–1605; probably retro- + (pro)spect

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrospect¹

C17: from Latin retrōspicere to look back, from retro- + specere to look

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in retrospect, in looking back on past events; upon reflection:

   It was, in retrospect, the happiest day of her life.

Example Sentences

Those ads showing women secretly voting for Harris were cute, but, in retrospect, too gentle.

From Salon

“In retrospect, having a roast comedian come to a political rally a week before Election Day and roasting a key voting demographic, probably not the best decision by the campaign politically,” Stewart landed on as his response to these "jokes," adding, “But, to be fair, the guy’s really just doing what he does!”

From Salon

In retrospect, that Saturday was when the timelines of the two Americas truly began to diverge.

From Los Angeles Times

In retrospect, I love that record too.

From Los Angeles Times

“In retrospect, having a roast comedian come to a political rally a week before Election Day and roasting a key voting demographic is probably not the best decision by the campaign politically, but, to be fair, the guy’s just doing what he does,” Stewart said.

From Salon

Related Words

• hindsight