in retrospect vs retrospectively

Both 'in retrospect' and 'retrospectively' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'In retrospect' is commonly used to reflect on past events or decisions, while 'retrospectively' is more formal and often used in academic or professional settings.

Last updated: April 01, 2024

in retrospect

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to refer to looking back on past events or decisions and considering them in hindsight.

Examples:

In retrospect, I should have listened to her advice.
In retrospect, it was a mistake to invest in that company.
In retrospect, I realize I could have handled the situation differently.
In retrospect, I wish I had taken that opportunity.
In retrospect, the decision seems obvious.

Show examples from the web [+]

Are you prepared to travel back into your memories and tell me about your life, in retrospect? Craft your own story and gameplay based on which collectibles ...
Examples of retrospect in a Sentence. Noun in retrospect, we should have saved more money for college. Recent Examples on the Web: Noun ...

Alternatives:

looking back
hindsight
in hindsight
with hindsight

retrospectively

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday language.

This phrase is more formal and is often used in academic, professional, or legal contexts to describe looking back on past events or analyzing them after they have occurred.

Show examples from the web [+]

An entity applying paragraph D8 retrospectively shall disclose that fact.
If the agreement between Council and European Parliament is later, the Facility should start retrospectively.
Some restrictions may apply to the granting of points retrospectively.
The Council's figure for 2003 has retrospectively been modified as updated information has been provided.
The period shall not exceed 24 months or 12 months if the declaration was issued retrospectively.
'Issued retrospectively - [code 98201]'
Without prejudice to Article 130, grants shall not be cumulative or awarded retrospectively.
The investor shall adjust retrospectively the annual period immediately preceding the date of initial application.
My lady, we've already established that the operation was authorised retrospectively.
That classification shall be applied retrospectively.
Such difference may also be collected retrospectively.
It means rescinding laws retrospectively, which undermines the principle of legal certainty.
The amendments shall be applied retrospectively.
The amounts reported in prior interim periods are not retrospectively adjusted.
This Interpretation shall be applied retrospectively.
As the deadline for the submission of payment requests was set at 30 September, this derogation should apply retrospectively.
Without prejudice to its comments, Spain has undertaken to retrospectively raise the interest rate charged to business users with connections of more than 1 kV.
effect retrospectively from 1 May 2004.
For trials that ended before that date, sponsors will need to submit the results retrospectively, which may represent some delays.
An entity shall apply the impairment requirements in Section 5.5 retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8 subject to paragraphs 7.2.15 and 7.2.18-7.2.20.

Alternatives:

in hindsight
in retrospect
looking back
after the fact

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in retrospect vs retrospectively

in retrospect

retrospectively

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