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Retro Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ
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retro

[หˆrษ›troสŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

fashion

Relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past : fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned

Synonyms

nostalgic, old-fashioned, vintage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retro

When something is inspired by or imitates styles from the recent past, typically the 70s, 80s, or 90s. It often conveys a sense of stylishness and trendiness.

  • She decorated her living room with retro furniture.
  • The bandโ€™s new album has a retro sound that reminds people of the 80s.
vintage

When something is high quality and from the past, often used for clothing, cars, or wine. It usually has a positive connotation of being classic and valuable.

  • She loves to shop for vintage clothing.
  • They own a vintage car from the 1960s.
old-fashioned

When referring to something that belongs to, or looks like it belongs to, a past era. Often carries a slightly negative connotation of being out of date.

  • Her dress sense is a bit old-fashioned.
  • His views on technology are rather old-fashioned.
nostalgic

Used when someone or something evokes a sentimental longing for the past, often with a wistful or affectionate tone.

  • Listening to that old song makes me feel nostalgic.
  • Visiting my grandparents' house brought back nostalgic memories.

Examples of usage

  • She loves to wear retro clothing from the 80s.
  • The restaurant has a retro decor with vintage posters and vinyl records on the walls.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A retroactive effect, fact, or payment: such as a : a payment (as of money) made with the expectation of a future benefit but in return for services already received b : the right to receive benefits as specified in a pension plan that was granted retroactively

Synonyms

backdated, compensation, retrospective.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retro

Used to describe something that is old-fashioned or vintage but is stylish or fashionable again.

  • He loves the retro look of vinyl records.
  • The cafe has a retro 1950s design.
retrospective

Refers to looking back on or dealing with past events or situations. It can also describe an art exhibition showing an artist's work over their lifetime.

  • The museum is hosting a retrospective of the artist's work.
  • In a retrospective analysis, the team examined their previous projects.
backdated

Refers to making something, such as a document or transaction, seem to have been done at an earlier date. It often carries a negative connotation, especially if done dishonestly.

  • The company backdated the invoices to meet the deadline.
  • Backdating documents is generally considered fraudulent.
compensation

This term is used when referring to something, typically money, given to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury.

  • She received compensation for the injuries she sustained in the accident.
  • The company offered compensation to employees affected by the policy change.

Examples of usage

  • The company offered retro payments to compensate for the delayed salary increase.
  • He received retroactive benefits from the pension plan.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art & Design

  • Retro styles often celebrate bold colors, unique patterns, and vintage designs, reflecting a nostalgic view.
  • In design, items that are retro can include furniture, typography, and graphic styles that evoke earlier decades.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and TV shows today use retro styles to appeal to audiences who love nostalgia.
  • Retro video games, like those from the 80s and 90s, have gained a massive following among both old fans and new players.

Fashion

  • Fashion trends often cycle through decades, with retro pieces from the past re-emerging as popular choices.
  • Items like high-waisted jeans and tie-dye shirts have made comebacks as retro styles in modern wardrobes.

Music

  • Music genres like rock and pop have birthed retro revival bands that recreate sounds from previous eras.
  • Sampling older songs in new music is a technique that brings retro vibes into contemporary sounds.

Origin of 'retro'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'retro' comes from 'retrospective,' which means looking back at the past.
  • It gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s to describe styles from the 1950s and 60s.

The term 'retro' originates from the Latin word 'retro', meaning 'backwards' or 'in past times'. It gained popularity in the 1970s to refer to styles, trends, or designs that imitate or evoke those of the past. The concept of retro has since become a significant trend in various industries, including fashion, design, and technology, reflecting a nostalgic appreciation for earlier eras.

See also: retroactive, retrogress.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,574, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.