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

By 1964, with U.S. “military advisers” on the ground supporting the South Vietnamese government against the communist insurgents of the North, President Lyndon Johnson and his advisers decided — foolishly, in retrospect — to commit U.S. troops.

From Salon

But the identification and eventual appointment of Venkatesham, in retrospect, was a telling acquisition.

From BBC

The frames of reference were, in retrospect, incompatible.

From Los Angeles Times

The call from Georgia Southern, in retrospect, felt like divine intervention.

From Los Angeles Times

"His style of leadership, in retrospect I would call it very manipulative. At the time, I would say, it was very dictatorial," Ms Evans said.

From BBC

Related Words

• hindsight