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
1
Looking back on or relating to the past.
"The report gives a retrospective look at the company's first decade."
2
Applying to events that happened in the past; retroactive.
"The new law includes a retrospective pay increase for last year."
noun
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishLooking back over the past, or (for art) a career-spanning exhibition.
Common pairings
a retrospective exhibition
retrospective effect
career retrospective
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Word forms
- Plural
- retrospectives
- Comparative
- more retrospective
- Superlative
- most retrospective
Fill the gap
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The report gives a _____ look at the company's first decade.
Etymology
From retrospect + -ive.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
forward-looking
prospective
Related words
Rhymes for retrospective
See all rhymes for retrospective →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.
