retrospect

1 of 3

noun

ret·​ro·​spect ˈre-trə-ˌspekt 

1

: a review of or meditation on past events

2

archaic : reference to or regard of a precedent or authority

retrospect

2 of 3

adjective

: retrospective

retrospect

3 of 3

verb

retrospected; retrospecting; retrospects

intransitive verb

1

: to engage in retrospection

2

: to refer back : reflect

transitive verb

: to go back over in thought

Phrases

in retrospect

: in considering the past or a past event

Synonyms

Noun

• reappraisal
• reconsideration
• reexamination
• retrospection
• review

Examples of retrospect in a Sentence

Noun

in retrospect, we should have saved more money for college

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In retrospect, March 29, 2024, was a seminal date in rap history. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024

In retrospect, the Coast Guard’s aviation planning was saddled with optimistic assumptions about Coast Guard base capabilities, base consolidation expectations and rosy operational cost projections. —Craig Hooper, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Adjective

In 2010, Markowitz filmed a stunt-y (but weirdly quaint in retrospect) video of himself using an iPad to personally email Steve Jobs, asking him for a Brooklyn Apple Store. —Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 24 Dec. 2024

But in retrospect Varsity Blues feels like a turning point. —Mark Gimein, theweek, 19 Feb. 2024

Verb

In retrospect the unfolding of Watergate in the press and the courts and Congress is our American Oresteia. —Mark Danner, The New York Review of Books, 1 July 2021

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from retro- + prospect

First Known Use

Noun

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1701, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1659, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing retrospect

• in retrospect

Kids Definition

retrospect

noun

ret·​ro·​spect

ˈre-trə-ˌspekt

: a looking back on or a thinking about past events