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

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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"While further safety measures are welcome, robust safety testing should take place before products are put on the market - not retrospectively when harm has taken place," he said.

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The council told him the incident was properly logged at the time and it was not possible to modify records retrospectively, but later admitted this was not the case.

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Outposts rebranded as "young settlements" are being retrospectively legalised as the government directs funds towards them.

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