Word
retrospectively
Phoneticsret·ro·spec·tive·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹɛtɹoʊˈspɛktɪvɫi/
UK/ɹˌɛtɹəʊspˈɛktɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. thinking about something after it has already happened. You use this when you look back on a past event to understand it better.
adv. considering or reviewing something in the light of past events. Often used to describe the act of applying a new rule or law to a previous period.
Examples
“In retrospect, I wish I had taken that job offer.”
“The company decided to apply the new safety regulations retrospectively to all previous projects.”
“While the policy seemed justified at the time, a retrospective analysis of the data reveals several unintended consequences that the original committee had failed to anticipate.”
Examples
simple
“In retrospect, I wish I had taken that job offer.”
contextual
“The company decided to apply the new safety regulations retrospectively to all previous projects.”
complex
“While the policy seemed justified at the time, a retrospective analysis of the data reveals several unintended consequences that the original committee had failed to anticipate.”
Real-World Examples
“Including Passivhaus measures in a building's initial design is much cheaper than trying to add them retrospectively.” “Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary, claimed changes to national planning policy frameworks will make it easier for travellers to get sites “rubber stamped” retrospectively, “often when they’ve already erected permanent structures”.” “Dozens of them have been retrospectively legalised by the government.” 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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