What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retroactive
Example
The new tax law is retroactive to January 1st of this year. [retroactive: adjective]
Example
The company implemented a retroactive pay increase for all employees. [retroactive: adjective]
Example
The court ruling was retroactive, affecting all cases dating back to 2010. [retroactive: adjective]
retrospective
Example
The museum is hosting a retrospective of Picasso's early works. [retrospective: noun]
Example
The team conducted a retrospective analysis of their performance last quarter. [retrospective: adjective]
Example
She had a retrospective moment, thinking back on her childhood memories. [retrospective: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retrospective is more commonly used than retroactive in everyday language. Retrospective is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retroactive is less common and is typically used in legal or contractual contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between retroactive and retrospective?
Both retroactive and retrospective can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, retroactive is more commonly used in legal or contractual settings, which may make it sound more formal.
