retrospectively

[re-truh-spek-tiv-lee]

adverb

1. with contemplation of past situations, events, etc..

   You should examine your relationship retrospectively.

2. with retrospective effect; retroactively.

   The law operates retrospectively.

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrospectively¹

First recorded in 1600–10; retrospective ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

Companies like Apple and the secure messaging platform Signal have already rolled out what they believe to be post-quantum encryption keys, but they cannot be applied retrospectively to current data encrypted in the traditional way.

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It will not apply retrospectively - but will be in force, once passed, across the UK.

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The government says its controversial digital ID scheme will not be applied retrospectively, with UK workers only needing it when they apply for a job after its proposed introduction by 2028.

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But the prime minister has said that the government's description of China could not change retrospectively and had to be based on "the position of the last government".

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In the past, these workers have then been paid retrospectively.

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