Retrospect Meaning
/ˈɹɛtɹəˌspɛkt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounConsideration of past times.
verbTo look or refer back to; to reflect on.
Sentence Examples
In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have gone there with her.
In retrospect, I should have known that it was a scam.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
In ____, I see that I should have studied harder for the biology test.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In ____, she realized that the warning signs had been there all along but she had chosen to ignore them.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin retrōspectum, from retrōspicio (“to look back at”), equivalent to retro- + -spect. Compare review.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"My mind, calmer and stronger now than last night, made for itself some imperious rules, prohibiting under deadly penalties all weak retrospect of happiness past; commanding a patient journeying through the wilderness of the present..."
— 1853, Charlotte Bronte, Villette:
"Whether, like Colin, in retrospect Willie Lee and Baptist would feel that what has vanished was greater than what was achieved, is not something we can predict."
— 1976, Terry Kay, The Year the Lights Came On, University of Georgia Press, published 1989, →ISBN, page 298:
"To give a correct idea of the circumstances which have gradually produced this conviction, it may be useful to retrospect to an early period."
— 1800 October 24, Alexander Hamilton, “Letter from Alexander Hamilton, Concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams, Esq. President of the United States”, in Harold C. Syrett, editor, The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, volumes 25, July 1800 – April 1802, New York: Columbia University Press, published 1962, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 187:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
In ____, I see that I should have studied harder for the biology test.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In ____, she realized that the warning signs had been there all along but she had chosen to ignore them.