adjective

retrograde

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adjective

Moving backward, or reversing to an earlier, less advanced state.

"Critics called the new policy a retrograde step for workers' rights."

"The disease caused a retrograde loss of motor skills."

Of a planet: appearing to move backward across the sky relative to its usual direction.

"Mercury is in retrograde again this month, astrology fans say."

How to Use Retrograde

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGoing backward, or reverting to something worse or more old-fashioned.

Common mistake

In casual use, "Mercury in retrograde" refers to the astrological/astronomical apparent backward motion of a planet, not an actual reversal in orbit.

Common pairings

a retrograde step Mercury in retrograde retrograde motion

Word Forms

more retrograde comparative, more retrograde comparative, retrograded past tense, retrogrades plural, retrogrades singular, most retrograde superlative, most retrograde superlative

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Critics called the new policy a _____ step for workers' rights.

Etymology

From Latin retrogradus, "moving backward" — from retro ("backward") + gradus ("step").

Antonyms

anterograde prograde

Rhymes for retrograde

Ade made jade wade fade sade Bade Cade Dade trade blade spade

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anterograde prograde