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Retrogressed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retrogressed

[ˌrɛtrəˈɡrɛst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

move backward

To retrogress means to return to an earlier or less advanced state. This often implies a decline or regression in progress, quality, or condition.

Synonyms

backslide, decline, deteriorate, regress.

Examples of usage

  • The community seemed to retrogress after the new policies were implemented.
  • Due to the economic downturn, many companies have retrogressed in their growth.
  • It's concerning to see scientific understanding retrogressing in today's debates.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, it can describe a regression in personal development or mental health.
  • People might retrogress under stress, returning to simpler, previous behaviors or coping mechanisms.
  • This phenomenon may occur in children when experiencing trauma, as they revert to earlier stages of behavior.

Biology

  • In biology, retrogression can refer to the decline of species or ecosystems, often due to environmental changes.
  • Certain species show retrogressive evolution, where they lose complex features over generations.
  • Examples can be seen in cave-dwelling fish that lose eyesight because it’s not needed in total darkness.

Technology

  • In tech, software may retrogress if updates remove features, causing users to feel like they are returning to an older, less functional version.
  • Retrogression can affect innovations in industries that struggle to keep pace with changing consumer needs.
  • When companies ignore user feedback, their products can retrogress, leading to a decline in customer satisfaction.

Cultural Analysis

  • In sociology, a culture may retrogress when people cling to outdated practices instead of embracing new ideas.
  • Historical periods often show societies that retrogress due to wars or political turmoil, reverting to less advanced stages.
  • Art movements might experience retrogression when artists return to traditional techniques instead of exploring new styles.

Origin of 'retrogressed'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'retrogressus,' meaning 'to step back.'
  • The prefix 'retro-' implies going backwards or returning to a former state.
  • First recorded usage in English dates back to the 1600s.

The word 'retrogressed' is derived from the Latin word 'retrogressus,' which is the past participle of 'retrogredi,' meaning 'to step back.' The prefix 'retro-' means 'back' or 'backward,' while 'gress' comes from 'gradi,' meaning 'to step' or 'to walk.' This term began to be used in English in the late 19th century, as a way to describe processes or movements that involved going back to a previous state. In contemporary usage, retrogressed can pertain to various fields, including sociology, psychology, and economics, where it often indicates a negative shift or a regression from progress.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,998, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.