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retrospective

 - 4 dictionary results

ret⋅ro⋅spec⋅tive

  [re-truh-spek-tiv]
Use retrospective in a Sentence
–adjective
1. directed to the past; contemplative of past situations, events, etc.
2. looking or directed backward.
3. retroactive, as a statute.
–noun
4. an art exhibit showing an entire phase or representative examples of an artist's lifework.
5. any exhibition or series of showings or performances, as of musical works or motion pictures, representing the work of an artist or performer over all or a major part of a career: a retrospective of John Ford's movies.
Origin:
1655–65; retrospect + -ive

Related forms:
ret⋅ro⋅spec⋅tive⋅ly, adverb
ret⋅ro⋅spec⋅tive⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To retrospective
ret·ro·spec·tive   (rět'rə-spěk'tĭv)   
adj.  

  1. Looking back on, contemplating, or directed to the past.

  2. Looking or directed backward.

  3. Applying to or influencing the past; retroactive.

  4. Of, relating to, or being a retrospective: a retrospective art exhibition.

n.  An exhibition or performance of works produced by an artist over a considerable period.
ret'ro·spec'tive·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: ret·ro·spec·tive
Pronunciation: 're-tr&-"spek-tiv
Function: adjective
: affecting things past : RETROACTIVE; specifically : of, relating to, or being a law that takes away or impairs vested rights, creates new duties or obligations, or attaches new disabilities with respect to acts and transactions completed before its enactment —ret·ro·spec·tive·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ret·ro·spec·tive
Pronunciation: -'spek-tiv
Function: adjective
1 a : of, relating to, or given to introspection b : relating to or being a study (as of a disease) that starts with the present condition of a population of individuals and collects data about their past history to explain theirpresent condition —compare PROSPECTIVE
2 : based on memory —ret·ro·spec·tive·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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