Retroactive Meaning in English
word
Definition
When something (like a law or rule) is retroactive, it affects things that happened in the past, not just after it was created.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly a formal/legal term. Commonly used with 'law', 'policy', 'pay increase', or 'effect'. Often appears in phrases like 'retroactive effect', 'retroactive law', or 'applied retroactively'. Do not confuse with 'proactive' or 'reactive'.
Example Sentences
The company gave employees a retroactive pay raise from January.
basic
The new tax law is retroactive to last year.
basic
He received retroactive benefits after the court decision.
basic
Is this insurance policy retroactive, or does it only cover future incidents?
natural
They passed a retroactive law to fix earlier mistakes in the system.
natural
The changes aren’t retroactive, so they won’t affect decisions made before today.
natural