retrospectively

[ re-truh-spek-tiv-lee ]

/ ˌrɛ trəˈspɛk tɪv li /

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adverb

with contemplation of past situations, events, etc.: You should examine your relationship retrospectively.

with retrospective effect; retroactively: The law operates retrospectively.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of retrospectively

First recorded in 1600–10; retrospective + -ly

Words nearby retrospectively

retroserrulate, retrosexual, retrospect, retrospection, retrospective, retrospectively, retroussage, retroussé, retroversion, Retrovir, retrovirus

How to use retrospectively in a sentence

In Girls5eva, whose second season aired on Peacock this past spring, the four surviving members of a short-lived Y2K-era pop quintet reunite after a rapper samples their retrospectively ironic hit “Famous 5eva.”
Rap Sh!t and TV’s Newfound Love for Girl Bands|Judy Berman|July 18, 2022|Time
Scientists tend to study the effects of the chemical on human cells or other animals in the lab, or to retrospectively ask people about their exposure to glyphosate to find potential health correlations.
This Roundup ingredient might cause cancer—but the EPA won’t ban it|Isobel Whitcomb|January 13, 2022|Popular-Science
The reason this works is because new experiences cause the brain to write down more memory, and then when you read that back out retrospectively, the event seems to have lasted longer.
How to slow down time because you’re not getting any younger|Sofia Quaglia|December 8, 2021|Popular-Science
In addition, we’ve retrospectively identified some cases that occurred prior to the first two cases.
An interview with a virus-hunter|Katie McLean|October 21, 2020|MIT Technology Review

Implemented on a global level, this could allow supply chains to be retrospectively reconstructed by economists from public records.
Econ 3.0? What economists can contribute to (and learn from) the pandemic|Claire Beatty|September 28, 2020|MIT Technology Review
The constitution was rewritten retrospectively in an attempt to put the concession beyond legal challenge.
China’s Nicaragua Canal Could Spark a New Central America Revolution|Nina Lakhani|November 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But what happens once this retrospectively meager foreign aid money dries up?
Obama Releases Aid To Palestinian Authority|Anna Lekas Miller|March 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And if it's not the winning message now, how will it have retrospectively become the winning message on Wednesday morning?
A Pre-Election Challenge for 'Real' Conservatives|David Frum|November 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Some may say that a former president of course will do well retrospectively.
Bill Clinton vs. Obama? Democrats Need to Go Centrist for 2012|Doug Schoen|December 30, 2011|DAILY BEAST
This week has the feel of one that might become retrospectively pivotal.
A President Adrift|Michael Tomasky|September 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST
That period viewed retrospectively seems to me like one of a kind of madness.
The World's Greatest Books, Vol X|Various
Mr. Jaggers nodded his head retrospectively two or three times, and actually drew a sigh.
Great Expectations|Charles Dickens
Purposes somehow work retrospectively so as to determine the course of events towards a good end.
History of Modern Philosophy|Alfred William Benn
Why then should not the satisfactory plum shed its halo retrospectively upon what precedes and be taken as a sign of virtue?
Human Nature and Conduct|John Dewey
In fact, all that has become may be explained retrospectively, but the beginning of anything whatever did not become.
Amiel's Journal|Henri-Frdric Amiel