Meaning & Definition of Retrospect in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: a survey or review of past events.

  Example Sentence: In retrospect, the decision seemed like a mistake.

• Definition: the act of looking back on or thinking about things that have happened in the past.

  Example Sentence: Retrospect can help us learn from our mistakes.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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

Translations

• Spanish: retrospectiva

• French: rétrospective

• German: Rückblick

• Russian: ретроспектива

Related Words

• 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.

Slang Meanings of retrospect

• Meaning: can refer to looking back fondly on something.

  Example Sentence: He had a good retrospect about his college life.

• Meaning: to refer to nostalgic reflection.

  Example Sentence: That movie gives me such a strong retrospect feeling.