Retroactive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Retroactive means applying or taking effect from a past date rather than the present. It is often used in laws, payments, or policies to change past outcomes or obligations.
Definition:
Taking effect from a date in the past rather than the present.
Synonyms:
backdated, retrospective, ex post facto
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
prospective, future
Common Collocations:
retroactive law, retroactive pay, retroactive effect
Derivatives:
retroactively, retroactivity
Usage Tips:
Use "retroactive" to describe laws or payments applied to past events or periods.
Common Phrases:
retroactive application, retroactive force, retroactive legislation
Etymology:
From Latin "retro-" (backward) + "actus" (acted), meaning acting backward in time.
Examples:
- 1. The new law is retroactive to January 1st.
- 2. Her raise was retroactive to last month's pay period.
- 3. The policy has a retroactive effect on previous cases.
- 4. They received retroactive pay for overtime worked last year.