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Retrogressive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retrogressive

[ˌrɛtrəʊˈɡrɛsɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a movement or change

Relating to or marked by a return to a worse or less advanced state, condition, or way of behaving.

Synonyms

backward, regressive, reverting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retrogressive

Suitable when describing a process or development that is moving backward, often in a negative way, implying a decline or a return to a less advanced state.

  • The company's retrogressive policies are leading to a decline in employee morale
  • The economic measures were seen as retrogressive, pushing the nation back to poorer times
regressive

Applicable when referring to actions or policies that lead to a less advanced state, especially in terms of social, economic, or political progress. Often used in discussions about taxation, policies, or societal trends.

  • The new tax policy is regressive, putting more burden on the lower-income groups
  • The government's stance on education seems regressive, reducing access to quality learning
backward

Used to describe something that is moving in the opposite direction of progress or development. Can have a negative connotation when referring to people or societies, implying a lack of advancement.

  • Some rural areas are still quite backward in terms of technology
  • He stumbled backward when he got startled
reverting

Best used when referring to returning to an earlier state or condition, often neutral but can imply a return to a less desirable state depending on context.

  • After the crisis, the country started reverting to its old governance style
  • He was reverting to his old habits after months of progress

Examples of usage

  • The retrogressive policies of the government led to economic decline.
  • His retrogressive attitude towards women's rights is unacceptable.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, 'retrogressive' behavior can describe a return to earlier stages of development in response to stress.
  • The concept is often studied in developmental psychology, especially in childhood behavior during trauma.

Science

  • In biological evolution, retrogression can refer to species losing complex features over generations.
  • Retrogressive changes in ecosystems can occur through processes like desertification, leading to loss of diversity.

Sociology

  • Sociologists may describe regressive social movements as groups aiming to return to a previous, often idealized, social state.
  • Some historical revolutions resulted in retrogressive effects, where freedoms were rolled back instead of advanced.

Literature

  • In storytelling, character arcs can become retrogressive when protagonists regress instead of evolving through the plot.
  • Classic literature often explores themes of retrogression as characters struggle against their burdens or past mistakes.

Origin of 'retrogressive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'retrogradus,' meaning 'going backward.'
  • Retrogressive compositions in language started appearing in vocabulary during the 19th century.

The word 'retrogressive' originated from the Latin word 'retrogressus,' which means 'to go back' or 'to move backward.' It first appeared in the English language in the mid-18th century. The concept of retrogression has been used in various contexts, including biology, social sciences, and politics, to describe a backward or declining movement or change. The term is often associated with negative connotations, implying a regression or deterioration from a previous state of progress or advancement.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,799, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.