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Retroactive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retroactive

[ˌrɛtrəˈæktɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

law

Taking effect from a date in the past rather than from the date of enactment or implementation.

Synonyms

backdated, backward-looking, retrospective.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retroactive

Use this in legal or policy contexts when referring to something that affects past events or actions. The term is often used with laws or adjustments that apply to a previous period.

  • The new tax laws are retroactive to January 1st.
  • Employees received a retroactive pay increase that included back pay for the last three months.
retrospective

Commonly used in arts and reviews, it refers to looking back and evaluating past events, usually in a reflective manner rather than affecting past actions. It is often positive or neutral.

  • The museum held a retrospective exhibition of the artist's work.
  • Her memoirs provided a retrospective look at her long career.
backdated

This is used when talking about assigning a past date to a document or payment. It often has a negative connotation when done improperly but can be acceptable if legal and authorized.

  • The insurance policy was backdated to cover the accident.
  • He backdated the check to make it appear as though it was issued earlier.
backward-looking

This is typically used in a critical sense to describe someone or something that is focused on the past rather than the future. It implies a lack of progress or innovation.

  • His backward-looking attitude hindered the company's growth.
  • The report was criticized for being backward-looking and not offering new solutions.

Examples of usage

  • The new tax law included a retroactive provision that affected previous year's tax returns.
  • The court ruled that the new regulation could not be applied retroactively.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Intended to apply or take effect at a date in the past.

Synonyms

backdated, backward-looking, retrospective.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retroactive

See previous entry for 'retroactive'. Same word, same context.
backdated

Used primarily in administrative and financial contexts to describe something that has been given an earlier date than the current date, such as a document or a payment.

  • The contract was backdated to cover the work done last month
  • She received a backdated check for her previous efforts
retrospective

Typically used to describe looking back over past events or experiences, often in a reflective or analytical manner. Common in artistic and professional reviews.

  • The museum held a retrospective of the artist's work
  • In a retrospective meeting, we discussed our successes and failures
backward-looking

Often used to describe an approach, attitude, or perspective that focuses on the past rather than looking forward. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying a reluctance to progress.

  • His backward-looking policies are hindering our progress
  • The company has a backward-looking attitude towards innovation

Examples of usage

  • The company implemented a retroactive pay increase for its employees.
  • The decision to increase the retirement age was made retroactively.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Studies

  • In law, a retroactive law can change the legal consequences of actions that occurred before the law was enacted.
  • Judges can sometimes apply retroactive decisions during appeals, which can overturn previous rulings based on new interpretations.

Pop Culture

  • Retroactive themes often appear in movies where characters travel back in time and change past events.
  • Many TV shows toy with retroactive storylines where earlier plot elements are reinterpreted due to a new development.

History

  • The implementation of a retroactive income tax in France in 2012 sparked significant public debate about fairness and legality.
  • Certain policies, such as amnesty laws, may apply retroactively to analyze and correct past government actions.

Psychology

  • In memory studies, retroactive interference occurs when new information impairs the ability to recall previously learned information.
  • The concept of retroactive evaluation plays a role in how past events are viewed and modified by later experiences and feelings.

Origin of 'retroactive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'retroactive' comes from Latin, where 'retro' means 'backward' and 'act' means 'to do'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 19th century, primarily in legal contexts to describe laws affecting the past.

The word 'retroactive' originated from the Latin word 'retroactus', which means 'driven back'. It first appeared in the early 17th century, referring to something that takes effect from a date in the past. The concept of retroactivity has been used in various fields such as law, economics, and technology to describe actions or decisions that are applied retrospectively. The idea of retroactive laws has been a topic of debate due to its potential implications on fairness and justice.

See also: retro, retrogress.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,454, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.