retrospect
RET-ruh-spekt
/ˈretrəspekt/
A survey or review of a past course of events or period of time.
Almost always used in the phrase 'in retrospect' to indicate hindsight.
The story behind the word. Formed in the 17th century from the Latin 'retro' (backwards) and 'specere' (to look). It perfectly captures the mental act of turning one's gaze toward the past.
Word relationships
- hindsight: Hindsight is the ability to understand an event only after it has happened; retrospect is the act of looking back.
- recollection: Recollection is just the act of remembering; retrospect involves analysis.
- prospect: The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
- foresight: The ability to predict what will happen or be needed in the future.
Commonly confused with
- retroactive: Retroactive means taking effect from a date in the past; retrospect is the act of looking back.
Word family
- retrospective (adjective/noun): Looking back on or dealing with past events; an exhibition of an artist's life work.
Collocations
- in retrospect
- with the benefit of retrospect
- historical retrospect
Idioms & expressions
- hindsight is 20/20
Example sentences
- "In retrospect, I see that it was the best thing that could have happened." Personal reflection
- "The company's failure seems obvious in retrospect, but at the time, the risks were hidden." Business analysis
Memory hook
Retro (old/past) + spect (look) = looking at the past. Looking back.
When not to use
Do not use when simply remembering a fact; use it when evaluating the past with new knowledge.
Fun facts
- The word 'retrospective' is commonly used in the art world for a show that covers an artist's entire career.
Related words
Explore more words
hindsight, retrospective, reminiscence, reminisce, introspective, foresee
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