Elrehátrafelé

Elrehátrafelé is a term used in contemporary Hungarian-language discourse to describe a method of analysis and practice that reconstructs processes by moving from an outcome backward toward its origins. The term combines el-, a prefix meaning "to" or "out," with hátrafelé, meaning "backward" or "toward the rear."

In usage, elrehátrafelé appears in several fields. In choreography and performance studies, it denotes a rehearsal technique in which dancers learn sequences by starting from the final pose and working back to the initial position, reinforcing transitions and memory cues. In literary and film analysis, it refers to a retrospective method that prioritizes end-state interpretations and then traces possible antecedents, contrasting with forward-planning or chronological readings. In design and product development, it can describe a reverse-engineering mindset focused on desired outcomes first.

The concept is described as metaphorical rather than a physical mechanism; it is valued for highlighting dependencies, causality, and the plasticity of time in narrative and movement. There is no single canonical definition, and usage varies by discipline and author. Critics caution that backward reconstruction can overlook contingent factors and may overstate determinism of outcomes.

Related concepts include reverse chronology, backward induction, retroactive analysis, and retrospection.