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, maybe that episode should’ve saved John’s assassination for the end. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024

The temporary balances struck by our leaders are seen in retrospect not as end-states but as only ephemeral (if necessary) strategies for their time. —Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024

Adjective

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

Yet even if the interdiction on restaurants was, in retrospect, excessive, no one could have known that then. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 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