ex-post
UK[ˌeks ˈpəʊst]US[ˌeks ˈpoʊst]
adj
Based on actual results or events, rather than on forecasts or expectations.
adv
After the fact; retrospectively.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
post
ex
out of, from
post
after
Etymology
The term 'ex-post' is a direct borrowing from Latin, where it functions as a compound prepositional phrase meaning "from after". It entered specialized English vocabulary, particularly in economics, law, and analysis, to describe reasoning or assessment performed after an event has occurred. The logic is transparent: 'ex' denotes the source or basis of knowledge, while 'post' fixes that source in time as subsequent to the event in question. This contrasts with 'ex-ante' (from before), creating a fundamental dichotomy for evaluating outcomes against prior intentions or models.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out of, from) + post (after)
- ex: Latin preposition, meaning "out of, from, as a result of". In this compound, it functions as a prefix indicating derivation or source.
- post: Latin preposition and adverb, meaning "after, behind". In this compound, it functions as a root indicating time or sequence.
Examples
The ex-post analysis revealed that the project's costs far exceeded the initial estimates.
Investors often judge a fund manager's performance on an ex-post basis.
The regulation requires an ex-post review of all major policy decisions.