adjective C2 Proficient Uncommon

retrospective

reht-ruh-SPEHK-tihv

Retrospective (adjective) means looking back on or relating to the past. Example: “The report gives a retrospective look at the company's first decade.”

adjective

Looking back on or relating to the past.

"The report gives a retrospective look at the company's first decade."

Applying to events that happened in the past; retroactive.

"The new law includes a retrospective pay increase for last year."

noun

An exhibition or review covering an artist's whole body of work.

"The gallery is hosting a retrospective of her paintings from the last 40 years."

How to use retrospective

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLooking back over the past, or (for art) a career-spanning exhibition.

Common pairings

a retrospective exhibition retrospective effect career retrospective

Word forms

more retrospective comparative, retrospectives plural, most retrospective superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The report gives a _____ look at the company's first decade.

Etymology

From retrospect + -ive.

Synonyms

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hindsightly historical reflective

Antonyms

forward-looking prospective

Related words

past considered modern historical proposed wondering progressive reflecting

Rhymes for retrospective

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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Frequently asked questions

What does “retrospective” mean?

The word “retrospective” means looking back on or relating to the past. In plain terms, looking back over the past, or (for art) a career-spanning exhibition.

How do you pronounce “retrospective”?

“Retrospective” is pronounced reht-ruh-SPEHK-tihv (/ˌɹɛt.ɹə(ʊ)ˈspɛk.tɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “retrospective” in a sentence?

Here is “retrospective” used in a sentence: “The report gives a retrospective look at the company's first decade.”

What is another word for “retrospective”?

Words with a similar meaning to “retrospective” include hindsightly, historical and reflective.

What is the opposite of “retrospective”?

The opposite of “retrospective” — its antonyms — are forward-looking and prospective.

What part of speech is “retrospective”?

Depending on how it is used, “retrospective” can be an adjective and a noun.

Is “retrospective” a common word?

“Retrospective” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “retrospective” have?

“Retrospective” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: looking back on or relating to the past.

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past considered modern historical proposed wondering progressive reflecting