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

The three companies involved in the Court of Session accept the Finch ruling means that, in retrospect, their licences were granted unlawfully.

From BBC

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

If you look too closely at specific elections, it can be hard to see, but the trend becomes clear in retrospect.

From Los Angeles Times

They are frustrated that Americans are giving his presidency a much higher approval rating in retrospect than they did when he was in office.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hindsight