Hindsight

/ˈhaɪndsaɪt/ noun

Definition

The understanding you have of events only after they've happened; seeing things clearly in the past when you couldn't before.

Etymology

Compound of 'hind' (rear, back, from Old English) and 'sight' (vision). Originally a shooting term meaning the rear sight on a gun; metaphorically extended to past understanding.

Kelly Says

Hindsight is called '20/20' because perfect vision is 20/20—but we only achieve this perfect vision backwards in time, never about what's coming.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.