We normally think of time as constantly moving forward. Since retroactive seems to defy time's forward movement, retroactive taxes, laws, and regulations are often seen as particularly obnoxious and unfair. But nobody ever objects to receiving a retroactive raise at work. When we judge historical people and events in terms of present-day morality and attitudes, our retroactive judgments may indicate that we're too impressed with ourselves and ignorant of history.
Example Sentences
They all received a retroactive pay raise. The new tax will be retroactive to January 1.
Recent Examples on the WebAnderson went on the IL retroactive to May 30 with a strained right groin. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2022 American solar companies have said that the prospect of more — and retroactive — tariffs was already having a chilling effect on imports.New York Times, 6 June 2022 Irvin was placed on the IL retroactive to May 2 with left shoulder soreness. Matt Kawahara, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 May 2022 The contract, which River City Fraternal Order of Police members voted to support in November, gives officers and sergeants a 9% raise for the current year, retroactive to July 1, and a 6% pay bump in 2022-23. Billy Kobin, The Courier-Journal, 17 Dec. 2021 Beginning with the passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) in December of 2017, however, new tax law with immediate (and sometimes even retroactive) consequences has been being passed almost continuously. Amber Gray-fenner, Forbes, 24 June 2021 These changes are retroactive to July 1, according to a city staff report.San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2022 City Council members approved the deal with the Aurora Supervisors Association, or ASA, that is retroactive to June 1, 2020. Steve Lord, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2022 That exemption applies to those who served for at least 20 years and was made retroactive to the beginning of 2021. Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 5 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
French rétroactif, from Latin retroactus, past participle of retroagere to drive back, reverse, from retro- + agere to drive — more at agent