noun / verb
retrospect
RET-ruh-spekt/ˈretrəspekt/
Review or consideration of past events.
In retrospect, the man considers earlier stages of his life through the photograph album.
Etymology
The image is of looking backward, transferred from physical direction to time. A retrospect looks back mentally over events that have already happened.
In context
although it's no fun when we're going through it, in retrospect a lot of the stuff in my life turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
More examples
- That tiny apartment seems charming in retrospect.
- In retrospect, we should have asked for help sooner.
- The warning signs are obvious in retrospect.
Forms
retrospect · retrospects · retrospected · retrospecting
retrospection noun — The act of reviewing past events.
retrospective adjective — Looking back at past events or experiences.
Similar words
- hindsight
- Emphasizes understanding gained after knowing how events turned out.
- reflection
- Emphasizes thoughtful consideration, not necessarily of past events.
- review
- Can examine current material as well as past events.