adjective
retrospective
reht-ruh-SPEHK-tihv
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
Word Forms
more retrospective comparative, retrospectives plural, most retrospective superlative
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Etymology
From retrospect + -ive.