First Known Use: 1602
Dictionary
1retrospect
noun ret·ro·spect \ˈre-trə-ˌspekt\
Definition of RETROSPECT
1
archaic : reference to or regard of a precedent or authority
2
: a review of or meditation on past events
— in retrospect
: in considering the past or a past event
See retrospect defined for English-language learners
See retrospect defined for kids
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Origin of RETROSPECT
probably from retro- + prospect
Related to RETROSPECT
- Synonyms
- reappraisal, reconsideration, reexamination, review, retrospection
Rhymes with RETROSPECT
acrolect, architect, birth defect, circumspect, deselect, dialect, disaffect, disconnect, disinfect, disrespect, edge effect, genuflect, grapholect, incorrect, indirect, in effect, intellect, interject, intersect, introject, introspect, lake effect, misdirect, preselect, re-collect, recollect, redirect, reelect, resurrect, self-respect, side effect, turtlenecked, vivisect
2retrospect
adjective
3retrospect
verb
Definition of RETROSPECT
intransitive verb
1
: to engage in retrospection
2
: to refer back : reflect
transitive verb
: to go back over in thought
First Known Use of RETROSPECT
1659
RETROSPECT Defined for Kids
retrospect
noun ret·ro·spect \ˈre-trə-ˌspekt\
Definition of RETROSPECT for Kids
: a looking back on things past <In retrospect, I made the right decision.>
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