Words / C1

retr-uh-SPEKT-iv/ˌretrəˈspektɪv/

Retrospective looks back, or applies a rule to the past: a retrospective review, retrospective legislation. Retroactive is a close legal cousin for laws. A retrospective as a noun is an exhibition of past work. Prospective looks forward. Do not call a plan for next year retrospective.

Meaning

Looking back at the past; a retrospective law applies to past events.

Examples

• “A retrospective review of the errors found the same missed zero.”
• “A retrospective audit found the same missed zero in three years of sheets.”
• “Art students visited a Picasso retrospective, which is the exhibition sense.”

Good to know

Looking back; of laws, applying to the past. Close: retroactive. Forward: prospective. Noun: an art retrospective.

New