Question

If retro means "back” and spec means "to see or look,” what is the best definition of the phrase in retrospect in the sentence below?

In retrospect, I probably should have taken better notes on that topic.

in regretting the past
in respecting the past
in anticipating the past
in considering the past

Answer 1

in considering the past

("retro" = back + "spec" = to look → "looking back," i.e., thinking about or considering past events; not necessarily regretting.)