retrospection

Everyday

1. Thinking back about past events or about your own past. tree →
2. Looking back to judge something after it has happened. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and reflection lessons it is the act of looking back on what happened and what you learnt. The phrase «in retrospect» (thinking back now) is far more common. Phrases: «a moment of retrospection», «in retrospection», «in retrospect».

Examples

• At the end of the year we had a time of retrospection about what we learnt. tree →
• In retrospection, the trip was great fun despite the rain. tree →
• Grandad's stories are full of retrospection. tree →
• Retrospection helps you see your mistakes clearly. tree →
• The diary was written in quiet retrospection. tree →
• In retrospect, I should have studied more. tree →

Note

Formal and uncountable. Adjective: «retrospective». Everyday speech uses «looking back» or «in retrospect». Opposite idea: «anticipation» (looking forward).