Word
retrospective
Phoneticsret·ro·spec·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹɛtɹəˈspɛktɪv/
UK/ɹˌɛtɹəʊspˈɛktɪv/
Definitions
01looking back at the past
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. looking back at things that happened in the past.
adj. contemplating or relating to past events or situations.
“The company gave a retrospective report on its successes over the last decade.”
“The documentary provides a retrospective look at the political climate of the 1990s, offering insights that were not apparent at the time.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02applying to the past
C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical
adj. starting to have an effect from a date in the past.
adj. applying to or taking effect from a date in the past; often used in legal or financial contexts.
“The new law will not be retrospective, so it only affects future cases.”
“The board approved a retrospective pay rise, meaning employees would receive back-dated compensation for the previous six months.”
Usage
Often used to describe legislation or financial adjustments.
Synonyms
03art exhibition
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large exhibition that shows the work an artist has created over many years.
n. a comprehensive exhibition or compilation of an artist's or performer's work throughout their career.
“We went to the museum to see the new retrospective of Picasso's paintings.”
“The gallery is hosting a major retrospective of the photographer's work, spanning from her early street photography to her final portraits.”
Real-World Examples
“Before the WeatherNext model was used in live forecasts, researchers tested it on retrospective data.” “The government is looking at strengthening national planning policy on "intentional unauthorised development", particularly for retrospective planning applications.” Etymology
From retrospect + -ive. From Latin retrōspectus, perfect passive participle of retrōspiciō (“I look back at”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/retrospective