retrospectiveadj.n.

Brit.

/ˌrɛtrə(ʊ)ˈspɛktɪv/, U.S.

/ˌrɛtrəˈspɛktɪv/

Origin: A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Etymons: Latin retrospect- , retrospicere , -ive suffix.

Etymology: < post-classical Latin retrospect-, past participial stem of retrospicere to look back (see retrospect v.) + -ive suffix. With the use as adjective compare French rétrospectif (1779), Spanish retrospectivo (1587). With the use as noun compare earlier retrospect n., retrospection n., and (with the specific use in sense B. 2) French rétrospective (1920 in this sense; 1919 in sense ‘screening of a series of old films’), Spanish retrospectiva (1872 in this sense). Compare earlier retrospectively adv., which may imply earlier currency of the adjective. N.E.D. (1908) also gives the pronunciation (rītrospe·ktiv) /riːtrəʊˈspɛktɪv/.

A. adj.

1. Chiefly Law. Taking effect from a date in the past; retroactive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > relative time > the past > [adjective] > operating retrospectively > of statutes, etc.

retrospective1660

1660 F. Philipps Tenenda non Tollenda iii. 110 The new mode of making retrospective Acts of Parliament.

a1768 J. Erskine Inst. Law Scotl. (1773) I. ii. vii. §15 It hinders the confirmation from having that retrospective quality.

1788 Considerations submitted to House of Lords on Two East-India Bills 54 All Acts of the Legislature, are retrospective, as well as prospective.

1843 T. B. Macaulay Crit. & Hist. Ess. I. 465 Sentencing a man to death by retrospective law.

1873 Sat. Rev. 9 Aug. 36/1 It is a retrospective alteration of a contract by one of the parties to the detriment of the other.

1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VIII. 321 The amnesia, however, is not, so to speak, retrospective.

1934 Yale Law Jrnl. 44 360 The arguments on the legality of retrospective legislation have been impressive in variety, but unconvincing in substance.

1955 Times 28 June 6/5 The decision was retrospective to April 1, when the new rates came into operation.

2004 H. Kennedy Just Law (2005) iii. 82 The retrospective nature of the intended legislation makes it doubly wrong.

a. Looking back to or contemplative of the past.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > memory > retrospection, reminiscence > [adjective]

retrospective1664

reminiscent1699

retrospicient1702

retrospectory1813

retracing1818

reminiscitory1828

1664 (title) A Faithful Testimony..or a Retrospective Glass for the Legislators..who are found persecuting the Innocent.

1672 W. Penn Quakerism ix. 99 He now intends to wind up his Discourse on the present Subject with a retrospective and contracted Argument of all those particular distinct Charges.

1734 A. Pope Epist. to Visct. Cobham 4 In vain the grave, with retrospective eye, Would from th' apparent what conclude the why.

1778 W. Stevenson Ode to Peace xiv. 6 Teeming with rich story, Dart her keen retrospective glance.

1862 Knickerbocker Feb. 137 She felt retrospective that night, prone to examining her past.

1873 R. A. Proctor Expanse of Heaven 178 Beyond the limits to which our powers enable us to reach in our retrospective researches.

1904 T. Hardy Dynasts: Pt. 1st i. iii. 43 To retrospective eyes of afterdays.

1976 J. Bayley Uses of Division i. i. 24 It remained for Proust to summate the retrospective social novel.

1991 Past & Present Aug. 105 A certain amount of retrospective reflection on our own European cultural traditions.

b. Of an exhibition, programme of music, or similar collection: showing the development of a person's work over a period of time.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > relative time > the past > [adjective] > operating retrospectively > of an exhibition, etc.

retrospective1903

1903 Amer. Art Jrnl. 4 245 A retrospective exhibition of the work of Edwin Lord Weeks.

1919 R. Fry Let. 22 Feb. (1972) II. 447 It's really a good show: a retrospective exhibition of Dudley..arranged all round the walls of the big room.

1954 Burlington Mag. May 162/1 A retrospective exhibition..provides a much-needed opportunity to review Pasmore's..development.

1983 Texas Monthly June 180/3 Ernst Krenek selected the group to play all seven of his string quartets at a retrospective festival honoring him in Santa Barbara.

1994 I. Hamilton Oxf. Compan. Twentieth-cent. Poetry (2002) 347/1 The centre-piece of Armenian Papers.., a retrospective selection of his poetry from 1954 to 1984, is ‘Trial Impressions’.

3. Occurring after the fact; developed with the benefit of hindsight or later experience.

ΚΠ

1670 S. Gott Divine Hist. Genesis World xii. 497 Thy Word; and the retrospective Revelation therof to thy Servant Moses.

1791 W. Robertson Hist. Disquis. Knowl. Ancients India (Notes to App.) 362 The account given..is not established by actual observation, but the result of a retrospective calculation.

1856 ‘G. Eliot’ in Westm. Rev. Jan. 302 ‘Walden; or, Life in the Woods’—published last year, but quite interesting enough to make it worth while for us to break our rule by a retrospective notice.

1888 Reflector 5 Feb. 114/1 The historian will have to explain that their fathers lived under a very different system, and one which well deserves retrospective examination, possibly retrospective praise.

1922 A. Jekyll Kitchen Ess. 60 We are admonished by philosophers to remove our thoughts from any bliss that is unattainable, but their balanced minds are oblivious perhaps of the happiness to be obtained,..from retrospective enjoyment.

1990 M. Wesley Sensible Life xvii. 120 Retrospective guilt is a pretty useless emotion.

2004 D. F. Wallace Oblivion 165 There's really no bigger cliché than losing your virginity and later having all kinds of retrospective tenderness for the girl involved.

4. Of a view or prospect: lying behind a person.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > position at the back > [adjective]

afterOE

afterwardOE

hinderc1290

hinderera1340

hinda1400

backc1490

reara1500

posterior1578

rearward1581

backwarda1616

hindsome1634

postica1638

averse1646

postern1648

postical1657

reverse1675

aft1711

retrospective1785

hindward1797

retral1822

western1829

postjacent1878

1785 R. J. Sulivan Tour Eng., Scotl., & Wales I. vi. 145 We crossed the stone bridge, whence we had a retrospective view of many of the same objects, with the addition of the Pantheon.

1796 W. Combe Hist. Thames II. 29 In this part of the river the retrospective view possesses every charm of elegant landscape.

1845 Fearnside Views Thames & Medway 71 The retrospective view is very picturesque.

1872 H. I. Jenkinson Guide Eng. Lake District (1879) 13 Allowing of fine retrospective views of Ambleside.

1914 T. P. Terry Terry's Japanese Empire ii. xvi. 304 A glorious retrospective vista is had of Yumoto and its dimpling lake.

1998 D. Kelsall Discov. Walks in Warwickshire xii. 125 An old drove road climbs Stoke Hill, along which expansive retrospective panoramas open for your enjoyment.

2009 K. Reynolds Walking in Austria ii. 73 As you gain height, retrospective views reveal that the hut is perched on a glacial still.

B. n.

1. An act of retrospection; a survey or review of past events or experiences.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > [noun] > view or scenery > from or towards back

retrospect1675

retrospective1789

1789 W. Taplin Æsculapian Labyrinth Explored 35 They are retrospectives that form an epoch in the mind of every practitioner, and afford him the powerful consolation of sacred truth.

1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy I. 25 The retrospective affords a view of early attachments ripened into perfection with maturity.

1870 J. D. Cossar Leaf from Old Forest 76 We take a retrospective Of the ancient times and people, When was nature young and blooming.

1906 Iowa Med. Jrnl. 15 Sept. 119 In the retrospective of the year's work and progress in medicine we must notice the advancement made by the laity.

1979 T. Babe Taken in Marriage 16 I want to be quite sure, when you two engage in this retrospective on growing up, that things aren't getting skewed here.

2008 P. Norman John Lennon xxiv. 629 News organizations everywhere prepared reviews and retrospectives of the past year and past decade.

2. An exhibition, programme of music, or similar collection showing the development of a person's work over a period of time.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > display of pictures > [noun] > exhibition

exhibition1761

picture show1858

one-man show1879

biennial1928

retrospective1929

biennale1968

1929 Times 28 May 14/2 Although M. Jacques Emile Blanche is a contemporary painter, his exhibition..might be included with the retrospectives.

1932 N.Y. Times 17 Apr. viii. 11/5 Julien Levy Gallery—Photographs by Man Ray. A fine retrospective, including a group of ‘rayograms’.

1973 Radio Times 18 Jan. 49/1 As a prelude to tomorrow evening's major retrospective of music by Luciano Berio, Misha Donat introduces a work which represents a turning-point in his career.

1979 Daily Tel. 31 Dec. 12 The National Film Theatre gave him [sc. Alfred Hitchcock] a major retrospective.

1999 Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair: 1999 Handbk. 280/1 Since Bacon's death in 1992 retrospectives have come thick and fast.

Derivatives

ˌretroˈspectiveness n.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > memory > retrospection, reminiscence > [noun] > quality of

retrospectiveness1811

1811 G. S. Faber Diss. Prophecy Daniel ix, 24-27 iii. 180 The retrospectiveness of the first clause of the prophecy must plainly be untenable.

1881 Daily Tel. 12 Feb. 2/1 The Government had only asked for unlimited retrospectiveness in order that they might throw a sop to the Radicals.

1980 Broadcast 14 Jan. 33/1 I cannot recall such a surfeit of retrospectiveness or glimpses into the future.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	retrospective
释义	retrospectiveadj.n. Brit. /ˌrɛtrə(ʊ)ˈspɛktɪv/, U.S. /ˌrɛtrəˈspɛktɪv/ Origin: A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Etymons: Latin retrospect- , retrospicere , -ive suffix. Etymology: < post-classical Latin retrospect-, past participial stem of retrospicere to look back (see retrospect v.) + -ive suffix. With the use as adjective compare French rétrospectif (1779), Spanish retrospectivo (1587). With the use as noun compare earlier retrospect n., retrospection n., and (with the specific use in sense B. 2) French rétrospective (1920 in this sense; 1919 in sense ‘screening of a series of old films’), Spanish retrospectiva (1872 in this sense). Compare earlier retrospectively adv., which may imply earlier currency of the adjective. N.E.D. (1908) also gives the pronunciation (rītrospe·ktiv) /riːtrəʊˈspɛktɪv/. A. adj. 1. Chiefly Law. Taking effect from a date in the past; retroactive. ΘΚΠ the world > time > relative time > the past > [adjective] > operating retrospectively > of statutes, etc. retrospective1660 1660 F. Philipps Tenenda non Tollenda iii. 110 The new mode of making retrospective Acts of Parliament. a1768 J. Erskine Inst. Law Scotl. (1773) I. ii. vii. §15 It hinders the confirmation from having that retrospective quality. 1788 Considerations submitted to House of Lords on Two East-India Bills 54 All Acts of the Legislature, are retrospective, as well as prospective. 1843 T. B. Macaulay Crit. & Hist. Ess. I. 465 Sentencing a man to death by retrospective law. 1873 Sat. Rev. 9 Aug. 36/1 It is a retrospective alteration of a contract by one of the parties to the detriment of the other. 1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VIII. 321 The amnesia, however, is not, so to speak, retrospective. 1934 Yale Law Jrnl. 44 360 The arguments on the legality of retrospective legislation have been impressive in variety, but unconvincing in substance. 1955 Times 28 June 6/5 The decision was retrospective to April 1, when the new rates came into operation. 2004 H. Kennedy Just Law (2005) iii. 82 The retrospective nature of the intended legislation makes it doubly wrong. 2. a. Looking back to or contemplative of the past. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > memory > retrospection, reminiscence > [adjective] retrospective1664 reminiscent1699 retrospicient1702 retrospectory1813 retracing1818 reminiscitory1828 1664 (title) A Faithful Testimony..or a Retrospective Glass for the Legislators..who are found persecuting the Innocent. 1672 W. Penn Quakerism ix. 99 He now intends to wind up his Discourse on the present Subject with a retrospective and contracted Argument of all those particular distinct Charges. 1734 A. Pope Epist. to Visct. Cobham 4 In vain the grave, with retrospective eye, Would from th' apparent what conclude the why. 1778 W. Stevenson Ode to Peace xiv. 6 Teeming with rich story, Dart her keen retrospective glance. 1862 Knickerbocker Feb. 137 She felt retrospective that night, prone to examining her past. 1873 R. A. Proctor Expanse of Heaven 178 Beyond the limits to which our powers enable us to reach in our retrospective researches. 1904 T. Hardy Dynasts: Pt. 1st i. iii. 43 To retrospective eyes of afterdays. 1976 J. Bayley Uses of Division i. i. 24 It remained for Proust to summate the retrospective social novel. 1991 Past & Present Aug. 105 A certain amount of retrospective reflection on our own European cultural traditions. b. Of an exhibition, programme of music, or similar collection: showing the development of a person's work over a period of time. ΘΚΠ the world > time > relative time > the past > [adjective] > operating retrospectively > of an exhibition, etc. retrospective1903 1903 Amer. Art Jrnl. 4 245 A retrospective exhibition of the work of Edwin Lord Weeks. 1919 R. Fry Let. 22 Feb. (1972) II. 447 It's really a good show: a retrospective exhibition of Dudley..arranged all round the walls of the big room. 1954 Burlington Mag. May 162/1 A retrospective exhibition..provides a much-needed opportunity to review Pasmore's..development. 1983 Texas Monthly June 180/3 Ernst Krenek selected the group to play all seven of his string quartets at a retrospective festival honoring him in Santa Barbara. 1994 I. Hamilton Oxf. Compan. Twentieth-cent. Poetry (2002) 347/1 The centre-piece of Armenian Papers.., a retrospective selection of his poetry from 1954 to 1984, is ‘Trial Impressions’. 3. Occurring after the fact; developed with the benefit of hindsight or later experience. ΚΠ 1670 S. Gott Divine Hist. Genesis World xii. 497 Thy Word; and the retrospective Revelation therof to thy Servant Moses. 1791 W. Robertson Hist. Disquis. Knowl. Ancients India (Notes to App.) 362 The account given..is not established by actual observation, but the result of a retrospective calculation. 1856 ‘G. Eliot’ in Westm. Rev. Jan. 302 ‘Walden; or, Life in the Woods’—published last year, but quite interesting enough to make it worth while for us to break our rule by a retrospective notice. 1888 Reflector 5 Feb. 114/1 The historian will have to explain that their fathers lived under a very different system, and one which well deserves retrospective examination, possibly retrospective praise. 1922 A. Jekyll Kitchen Ess. 60 We are admonished by philosophers to remove our thoughts from any bliss that is unattainable, but their balanced minds are oblivious perhaps of the happiness to be obtained,..from retrospective enjoyment. 1990 M. Wesley Sensible Life xvii. 120 Retrospective guilt is a pretty useless emotion. 2004 D. F. Wallace Oblivion 165 There's really no bigger cliché than losing your virginity and later having all kinds of retrospective tenderness for the girl involved. 4. Of a view or prospect: lying behind a person. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > position at the back > [adjective] afterOE afterwardOE hinderc1290 hinderera1340 hinda1400 backc1490 reara1500 posterior1578 rearward1581 backwarda1616 hindsome1634 postica1638 averse1646 postern1648 postical1657 reverse1675 aft1711 retrospective1785 hindward1797 retral1822 western1829 postjacent1878 1785 R. J. Sulivan Tour Eng., Scotl., & Wales I. vi. 145 We crossed the stone bridge, whence we had a retrospective view of many of the same objects, with the addition of the Pantheon. 1796 W. Combe Hist. Thames II. 29 In this part of the river the retrospective view possesses every charm of elegant landscape. 1845 Fearnside Views Thames & Medway 71 The retrospective view is very picturesque. 1872 H. I. Jenkinson Guide Eng. Lake District (1879) 13 Allowing of fine retrospective views of Ambleside. 1914 T. P. Terry Terry's Japanese Empire ii. xvi. 304 A glorious retrospective vista is had of Yumoto and its dimpling lake. 1998 D. Kelsall Discov. Walks in Warwickshire xii. 125 An old drove road climbs Stoke Hill, along which expansive retrospective panoramas open for your enjoyment. 2009 K. Reynolds Walking in Austria ii. 73 As you gain height, retrospective views reveal that the hut is perched on a glacial still. B. n. 1. An act of retrospection; a survey or review of past events or experiences. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > [noun] > view or scenery > from or towards back retrospect1675 retrospective1789 1789 W. Taplin Æsculapian Labyrinth Explored 35 They are retrospectives that form an epoch in the mind of every practitioner, and afford him the powerful consolation of sacred truth. 1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy I. 25 The retrospective affords a view of early attachments ripened into perfection with maturity. 1870 J. D. Cossar Leaf from Old Forest 76 We take a retrospective Of the ancient times and people, When was nature young and blooming. 1906 Iowa Med. Jrnl. 15 Sept. 119 In the retrospective of the year's work and progress in medicine we must notice the advancement made by the laity. 1979 T. Babe Taken in Marriage 16 I want to be quite sure, when you two engage in this retrospective on growing up, that things aren't getting skewed here. 2008 P. Norman John Lennon xxiv. 629 News organizations everywhere prepared reviews and retrospectives of the past year and past decade. 2. An exhibition, programme of music, or similar collection showing the development of a person's work over a period of time. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > display of pictures > [noun] > exhibition exhibition1761 picture show1858 one-man show1879 biennial1928 retrospective1929 biennale1968 1929 Times 28 May 14/2 Although M. Jacques Emile Blanche is a contemporary painter, his exhibition..might be included with the retrospectives. 1932 N.Y. Times 17 Apr. viii. 11/5 Julien Levy Gallery—Photographs by Man Ray. A fine retrospective, including a group of ‘rayograms’. 1973 Radio Times 18 Jan. 49/1 As a prelude to tomorrow evening's major retrospective of music by Luciano Berio, Misha Donat introduces a work which represents a turning-point in his career. 1979 Daily Tel. 31 Dec. 12 The National Film Theatre gave him [sc. Alfred Hitchcock] a major retrospective. 1999 Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair: 1999 Handbk. 280/1 Since Bacon's death in 1992 retrospectives have come thick and fast. Derivatives ˌretroˈspectiveness n. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > memory > retrospection, reminiscence > [noun] > quality of retrospectiveness1811 1811 G. S. Faber Diss. Prophecy Daniel ix, 24-27 iii. 180 The retrospectiveness of the first clause of the prophecy must plainly be untenable. 1881 Daily Tel. 12 Feb. 2/1 The Government had only asked for unlimited retrospectiveness in order that they might throw a sop to the Radicals. 1980 Broadcast 14 Jan. 33/1 I cannot recall such a surfeit of retrospectiveness or glimpses into the future. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < adj.n.1660
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