# retrospectively

/ˌɹɛtɹoʊˈspɛktɪvɫi/ (US) · /ɹˌɛtɹəʊspˈɛktɪvli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retrospectively
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

thinking about something after it has already happened. You use this when you look back on a past event to understand it better.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.