retrospective

[re-truh-spek-tiv]

adjective

1. directed to the past; contemplative of past situations, events, etc.

2. looking or directed backward.

3. retroactive, as a statute.

noun

1. an art exhibit showing an entire phase or representative examples of an artist's lifework.

2. any exhibition or series of showings or performances, as of musical works or motion pictures, representing the work of an artist or performer over all or a major part of a career.

   a retrospective of John Ford's movies.

retrospective

/ ˌrɛtrəʊˈspɛktɪv /

adjective

1. looking or directed backwards, esp in time; characterized by retrospection

2. applying to the past; retroactive

noun

1. an exhibition of an artist's life's work or a representative selection of it

Other Word Forms

• retrospectively adverb
• retrospectiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrospective¹

First recorded in 1655–65; retrospect + -ive

Example Sentences

“Ken Gonzales-Day: History’s ‘Nevermade’” offers a timely retrospective of an artist who explores the way social erasure operates in American life.

From Los Angeles Times

Regardless of the inspiration these repertory theaters provide with, say, retrospectives of Akira Kurosawa, the model is not bulletproof to the punches theaters have taken.

From Los Angeles Times

The museum is already looking ahead on that front, with plans for a full Spielberg retrospective in 2028.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2000 the Guggenheim Museum in New York City mounted a retrospective exhibit of his work, the first costume exhibit in the museum’s history.

From Los Angeles Times

But he has since referred both bills to the Constitutional Court, concerned that they could affect elements enshrined in the constitution by placing retrospective restrictions on copyright.

From BBC

Related Words

• reflective