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, he said, he would have made a move on the leaders earlier had he known the pack was going to hang back.

From Los Angeles Times

"It was not about only the nomination, it was about the whole experience," Eyni explains, "and I think her life, in retrospect".

From BBC

In retrospect, it is entirely predictable the two would end up together.

From Salon

In retrospect, these talk-show cooking programs were a bridge from the instructional shows to the next big thing: theatrical cooking competitions.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, given the pressure they "did things that in retrospect were not necessarily the right things", he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• hindsight