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Retrospectively: meaning, definitions and examples

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retrospectively

 

[ ˌrɛtrəˈspɛktɪvli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

looking back

Retrospectively means in a way that looks back on or considers past events. It often refers to analyzing past actions or decisions to inform current understanding or decisions.

Synonyms

historically, reflectively, retroactively

Examples of usage

  • She assessed the project retrospectively to learn from its mistakes.
  • The report reviews the findings retrospectively.
  • Retrospectively, he realized the importance of his childhood experiences.

Word origin

The word 'retrospectively' derives from the Latin root 'retro', meaning 'backward', combined with 'spect', which means 'to look'. The prefix 'retro-' indicates a backward direction, while 'spect' is related to vision and perception. This term has evolved in English to encompass the idea of considering something from a past perspective or reflecting upon past events. Its usage in English can be traced back to the early 20th century, gaining prominence in contexts like psychology and analysis, where looking back at past experiences can provide valuable insights. Over time, the term has become common in discussions of history, reflection, and evaluation, highlighting our tendency to learn from what has already occurred.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,234, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.