retrospective
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.looking back at things that happened in the past.
adj.contemplating or relating to past events or situations.
Simple“The company gave a retrospective report on its successes over the last decade.”
In context“The documentary provides a retrospective look at the political climate of the 1990s, offering insights that were not apparent at the time.”
Synonymsbackward lookingreflectiveAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The new law will not be retrospective, so it only affects future cases.”
In context“The board approved a retrospective pay rise, meaning employees would receive back-dated compensation for the previous six months.”
UsageOften used to describe legislation or financial adjustments.
Synonymsretroactiveback dated - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“We went to the museum to see the new retrospective of Picasso's paintings.”
In context“The gallery is hosting a major retrospective of the photographer's work, spanning from her early street photography to her final portraits.”
“The government is looking at strengthening national planning policy on "intentional unauthorised development", particularly for retrospective planning applications.”
“Before the WeatherNext model was used in live forecasts, researchers tested it on retrospective data.”
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.