retrospection

[ re-truh-spek-shuhn ]

noun

1. the action, process, or faculty of looking back on things past.
2. a survey of past events or experiences.

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrospection¹

First recorded in 1625–35; retrospect + -ion

Example Sentences

The closer these characters come to Amis himself — most recently in the retrospection of “The Pregnant Widow” and “Inside Story” — the more overt this generational mapping becomes.

From New York Times

Naturally, such a skid prompts retrospection and underscores the importance of these next few weeks.

From Seattle Times

I had time to do a little retrospection, and I realized I just wasn’t present enough.

From Los Angeles Times

Nancy Rhine, a gerontologist and marriage and family therapist in Mill Valley, California, has helped about 40 older adults prepare for and process late-life rituals involving hours of retrospection and introspection, art and music.

From Seattle Times

Rosy retrospection inflicts many people who closely watched the boxing greats of the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• alteration
• amendment
• improvement
• modification
• reconsideration
• reexamination
• review