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, it’s easy why pundits have pegged this conference as the high water mark for Moms for Liberty’s influence.

From Salon

The current hearing largely focuses on one paragraph in the 2022 settlement that defines — in retrospect, poorly — seven metrics of progress the city must report to the court quarterly.

From Los Angeles Times

His films typically did not concern themselves with the plots of individual lives, which in reality are revealed in retrospect, if at all.

From Los Angeles Times

In retrospect, that scene is bittersweet, too, reminding us of another small blessing that’s gone.

From Salon

“In retrospect, our exposure to First Brands was too large,” Great Elm Chief Executive Matt Kaplan told analysts in November.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hindsight