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hindsight — understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhaɪndsaɪt/

Example Sentences

  • In hindsight, buying that expensive coffee machine was a terrible financial decision.
  • With the benefit of hindsight, dating my ex's best friend probably wasn't my smartest move.
  • Hindsight is 20/20, but I wish I had invested in that startup when I had the chance.

hindsight

NOUN

[/ˈhaɪndsaɪt/]

understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed

In hindsight, he should have brought an umbrella before the storm hit.
💡 Concept

In hindsight, he should have brought an umbrella before the storm hit.

Hindsight brings insight, but foresight prevents regret!
🎵 Rhyme

Hindsight brings insight, but foresight prevents regret!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈhaɪndsaɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈhaɪndsaɪt/

🌳Etymology

Roothind
Suffix-sight

Origin

From Middle English, combining 'hind' (from Old English 'hindan' meaning 'from behind') with 'sight' (from Old English 'gesihth' meaning 'vision' or 'view'). The compound literally refers to looking back at something from behind, metaphorically meaning to see or understand something after the fact.

Breakdown

hind (behind, rear) + sight (vision, view) = hindsight (understanding gained by looking back)

🎵Rhyme

insight
foresight
eyesight

🔗Collocations

in hindsight
20/20 hindsight
with hindsight
benefit of hindsight
hindsight bias

📝Examples

“In hindsight, buying that expensive coffee machine was a terrible financial decision.”

😄 Fun example

“With the benefit of hindsight, dating my ex's best friend probably wasn't my smartest move.”

“Hindsight is 20/20, but I wish I had invested in that startup when I had the chance.”

😄 Fun example

“In hindsight, telling my boss his haircut looked like a pineapple was career suicide.”

📚Related Words

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