Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Retrograde: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

retrograde

 

[ ˈrɛtrə(ʊ)ɡreɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

planetary motion

Directed or moving backward, especially referring to the motion of a planet in its orbit. Retrograde motion is an optical illusion caused by the relative positions of Earth and the planet in question.

Examples of usage

  • The apparent retrograde motion of Mars puzzled astronomers for centuries.
  • During retrograde periods, it may feel like things are moving in reverse.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Involving a return to an earlier and typically worse state or condition. Regressive or declining.

Synonyms

declining, regressive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
retrograde

This word is often used in formal or scientific contexts to describe something moving backward or deteriorating over time. It can also refer to something that appears to be going back to a less advanced state.

  • The policy change was seen as a retrograde step for civil rights.
  • The disease caused a retrograde degeneration of the nervous system.
regressive

This term is often used in social, political, or economic contexts to describe policies or actions that move society or an entity back to a previous, less advanced state. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The new tax law was criticized as regressive, benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
  • The regressive policies of the government have been widely condemned.
declining

This word is generally used to describe a decrease in quality, quantity, or importance. It can be used in various contexts, like health, economy, or social status.

  • The company is experiencing declining sales.
  • His health has been declining rapidly over the past few months.

Examples of usage

  • The country's retrograde economic policies led to a recession.
  • The company's decision to cut employee benefits was seen as a retrograde step.

Translations

Translations of the word "retrograde" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retrógrado

🇮🇳 प्रतिगामी

🇩🇪 rückläufig

🇮🇩 mundur

🇺🇦 ретроградний

🇵🇱 wsteczny

🇯🇵 逆行

🇫🇷 rétrograde

🇪🇸 retrógrado

🇹🇷 geriye dönük

🇰🇷 역행하는

🇸🇦 متراجع

🇨🇿 retrográdní

🇸🇰 retrográdny

🇨🇳 逆行

🇸🇮 retrograden

🇮🇸 afturfarandi

🇰🇿 артқа кеткен

🇬🇪 რეგრესი

🇦🇿 geriyə doğru

🇲🇽 retrógrado

Etymology

The word 'retrograde' originates from the Latin word 'retrogradus', which is derived from 'retro-' meaning 'backwards' and 'gradus' meaning 'step'. The term was first used in the context of planetary motion, describing the perceived backward movement of planets in the sky. Over time, 'retrograde' has also come to be used in a metaphorical sense to describe a regression or decline in various aspects.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,820, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.