Retrogressively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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retrogressively
[ˌrɛtrəˈɡrɛsɪvli ]
Definition
manner of action
The term 'retrogressively' refers to the manner in which something returns to a previous state or becomes less advanced. It often implies a decline or reversion to an earlier condition.
Synonyms
backwards, regressively, reversely.
Examples of usage
- The economy is progressing retrogressively due to recent policies.
- In a retrogressively structured timeline, past events overshadow the future.
- The team seemed to be working retrogressively after their initial success.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Reflections on retrogressive behavior suggest individuals may revert to earlier, less developed coping mechanisms when faced with stress.
- In child development, retrogressive behavior can be seen when a child might start bedwetting again after being fully toilet trained during times of anxiety.
Literature
- Writers often depict characters who retrogressively lose their moral compass, illustrating the struggle between good and evil.
- In dystopian novels, societies often retrogressively revert to authoritarian rule, showing the fragility of democratic ideals.
History
- In the context of history, regressive movements have often been associated with periods of crisis or upheaval, where once-progressive societies take steps backward.
- Throughout history, various revolutions aimed to regain lost rights sometimes ended up retrogressively imposing stricter controls than before.
Science
- In evolutionary biology, retrogression can refer to species that lose complex traits over time, suggesting that simplification can occur in evolution.
- In the study of ecosystems, retrogressive succession can happen when a previously developed area falls back into a less complex state due to disturbances.
Origin of 'retrogressively'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'retro-', meaning backward, with 'gress', from Latin meaning to step or move.
- First used in the late 19th century, it hinted at reversing progress, particularly in social or political contexts.
The word 'retrogressively' is derived from the base word 'retrogress', which originates from the Latin 'retrogressus', the past participle of 'retrogradi', meaning 'to step back'. The prefix 'retro-' means 'backward', and 'gressus' translates to 'stepping' or 'walking'. The adverbial form '-ively' indicates the manner in which an action is performed. The term has been used in various contexts, particularly in discussions of societal or technological progress, where it denotes a regression or a loss of advancement. Over time, 'retrogressively' has evolved to describe not only literal backward movement but also metaphorical backsliding in various domains such as policies, cultures, and human experiences.