retrospect

American  

[re-truh-spekt] / ˈrɛ trəˌspɛkt /

noun

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

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verb (used without object)

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

   to retrospect to a period in one's youth.

verb (used with object)

1. to look back upon; contemplate retrospectively.

idioms

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

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

retrospect British  

/ ˈrɛtrəʊˌspɛkt /

noun

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

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verb

1. to contemplate (anything past); look back on (something)

2. to refer

Etymology

Origin of retrospect

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

Example Sentences

In retrospect, some of the signs that could or should have been red flags were that even during a downmarket, his investments still supposedly brought in a healthy return and they were miraculously consistent.

From MarketWatch

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Jordan says, but in retrospect the right one.

From Los Angeles Times

But in retrospect, my relationship with that ring was superficial.

From The Wall Street Journal

In retrospect, taken collectively, much of McCarthy’s work as an actor, filmmaker and journalist hinges on the friendship motif — that primordial ache to belong, that yearning to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times

"Please consult camera footage, journal notes, text messages, observations or conversations that in retrospect may hold significance. No detail is too small. It may be the key."

From BBC

Related Words

• hindsight