Retrospective - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A retrospective is a review or examination of past events, actions, or work, often to analyze lessons learned or improve future outcomes. It is commonly used in projects or personal reflection.
Definition:
Looking back on or dealing with past events or situations.
Synonyms:
reflective, backward-looking, review, postmortem
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Antonyms:
prospective, forward-looking
Common Collocations:
retrospective analysis, retrospective study, retrospective exhibition, retrospective view
Derivatives:
retrospectively, retrospectiveness
Usage Tips:
Use "retrospective" to describe events or analyses focused on the past rather than the present or future.
Common Phrases:
in retrospect, retrospective glance, retrospective wisdom
Etymology:
From Latin "retrospectus," meaning "look back," combining "retro-" (back) and "specere" (to look).
Examples:
- 1. The artist held a retrospective exhibition of her early works.
- 2. His retrospective analysis revealed several overlooked mistakes.
- 3. The team conducted a retrospective meeting to improve future projects.
- 4. She felt a sense of nostalgia during the retrospective documentary.