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Retroactively: meaning, definitions and examples

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retroactively

 

[ˌrɛtroʊˈæktɪvli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

time context

Retroactively refers to applying something, such as a law or policy, to a period in the past. This term is often used in legal contexts where changes affect events or actions that occurred before the change was enacted.

Synonyms

historically, retrospectively.

Examples of usage

  • The new tax law was applied retroactively to last year’s earnings.
  • They decided to retroactively adjust the salaries of employees.
  • The company announced retroactive benefits for its workers.
  • The revision of the policy takes effect retroactively from January 1st.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'retro', meaning backward, with 'active', meaning to do something.
  • Originated from Latin 'retro-' meaning 'back' and 'agere' meaning 'to do'.
  • First used in English during the late 19th century to describe laws affecting earlier events.

Legal Context

  • Laws passed retroactively can affect rights and obligations that existed before the law was enacted.
  • In many legal systems, retroactive legislation can be controversial because it can change the outcome of past actions.
  • Some historic laws, like tax reforms, have been made retroactive to encourage compliance and capture previous earnings.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV, stories sometimes reveal that past events were different from what the audience thought, changing the narrative.
  • Some video games utilize retroactive storytelling, where actions or choices made by the player in the past impact future gameplay.
  • Popular in science fiction, where characters often travel back in time, leading to retroactive changes in their present.

Psychological Perspective

  • People often reinterpret their past experiences based on new information, showing a form of retroactive thinking.
  • This concept can influence memory; for example, when new experiences alter how one recalls earlier events.
  • The idea of cognitive dissonance may encourage folks to adjust their memories to align with new beliefs or understandings.

Historical Examples

  • In the U.S., the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) is a notable instance where a legal framework changed the status of enslaved people retroactively.
  • The 2015 Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage in the U.S. was retroactive, allowing couples married in states where it was legal to have their marriages recognized nationwide.
  • Retroactive adjustments in social security benefits often occur to correct errors and ensure individuals receive their rightful entitlements since an earlier date.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,234, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.