I. ˈre.trəˌspekt sometimes ˈrē.t- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin retrospectus, past participle of retrospicere to look back at, from retro- + specere to look at, see — more at spy
1. archaic : reference to or regard of a precedent or authority
we may introduce a song without retrospect to the old comedy — W.S.Landor
2. : a review of or meditation upon past events
the essence of memory, the vital, tangible retrospect — William Beebe
feel that wise historical retrospect as well as the decent opinion of mankind will confirm it — S.F.Bemis
the new chapter starts with a retrospect
accomplished results that in retrospect pleased him — W.C.Ford
shivered in retrospect when I thought of that afternoon meeting in that freezing hall — Anna L. Strong
II. adjective
: retrospective
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin retrospectus, past participle of retrospicere to look back at
intransitive verb
1. : to practice retrospection
able to retrospect at fairly long distances backward — Vancouver (Canada) Morning Star
2. : to refer back : reflect
it may be useful to retrospect to an early period — Alexander Hamilton
transitive verb
: to go back over in thought : consider or think of with reference to the past
retrospected the faces and minds of grown people — Samuel Richardson