Retrospect

/ˈrɛtrəˌspɛkt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A survey or review of past events or a person's past.

In retrospect, I wish I had taken that job opportunity.

The action of looking back on or thinking about past events.

The exhibit is a retrospect of the artist's career.

verb

To think about or consider past events.

Retrospecting on my childhood, I realize how carefree my life was.

Late 19th century from Latin 'retro' meaning 'back' and 'spectare' meaning 'to look'.

in retrospect

looking back at past events with new knowledge

hindsight is 20/20

it is easy to see things clearly after they have happened

with the benefit of hindsight

considering past events with current knowledge

reflection

the act of thinking deeply or carefully about something.

recollection

the action of remembering something.

retrospection

the act of looking back on or thinking about past events.

can refer to looking back fondly on something.

He had a good retrospect about his college life.

to refer to nostalgic reflection.

That movie gives me such a strong retrospect feeling.