retrospect

/ˌrɛtrəˈspɛkt/

/ˈrɛtrəʊspɛkt/

Other forms: retrospects; retrospecting; retrospected

In retrospect — that is, in looking back and contemplating the past — we sometimes find ourselves wishing that we had done some things differently.

Though this word most commonly appears as a noun in the phrase "in retrospect," it can also be used as a verb. The prefix retro- means “back," and spect is a component of the words inspect, spectator, spectacles, and perspective, among others, which all have to do with looking or seeing. So it makes sense that retrospect means to look back in time, or to remember.

Definitions of retrospect

1. noun

   contemplation of things past
   “in retrospect”

   type of:

   contemplation, musing, reflection, reflexion, rumination, thoughtfulness

   a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
2. verb

   look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events); remember
   synonyms: look back, review

   type of:

   remember, think back

   recapture the past; indulge in memories