What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retrospective
Example
The company held a retrospective meeting to evaluate the success of the project. [retrospective: adjective]
Example
The museum is hosting a retrospective of the artist's paintings from the last decade. [retrospective: noun]
Example
The study used a retrospective approach to analyze the data from previous years. [retrospective: adjective]
retrospect
Example
In retrospect, I should have studied more for the exam. [retrospect: noun]
Example
She had the ability to see things in retrospect and learn from her mistakes. [retrospect: adverb]
Example
He felt a sense of nostalgia in retrospect as he looked back on his childhood memories. [retrospect: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retrospect is more commonly used than retrospective in everyday language. Retrospective is more formal and less frequently used in casual conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retrospective and retrospect?
Retrospective is more formal than retrospect due to its longer length and association with formal reviews or assessments. Retrospect is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
