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 byto ).

   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. 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

“That took time — probably too much time in retrospect,” Marrone said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I found myself leading in the first two miles but my strength is my kick, so in retrospect it would’ve been smarter to stay back.”

From Los Angeles Times

The sting, in retrospect, is that Hollywood never nominated him for acting again.

From Los Angeles Times

In retrospect, she doesn’t think their lives were truly in danger.

From Los Angeles Times

"Was it grace, or was it recklessness? In retrospect, I think it was recklessness."

From BBC

Related Words

• hindsight