retard
4 antonyms for retard — opposites grouped by meaning.
Verb — To slow down the progress or development of something.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To slow down the progress or development of something.
“Cold temperatures retard the growth of bacteria in food.”
Opposites
2. noun
A delay, or a slowing of pace.
“Engineers built in a slight retard to the ignition timing.”
Antonyms
How to use retard
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
retard growth
retard progress
As a noun referring to a person, this word is an offensive slur and should be avoided entirely; the verb sense (to slow something down) is neutral and still used in technical and formal writing.
Etymology
From Latin retardare, "to make slow," from re- + tardus ("slow").
Full origin of retard →Frequently asked questions
What does “retard” mean?
The word “retard” means to slow down the progress or development of something. In plain terms, to hold something back or make it happen more slowly.
How do you pronounce “retard”?
“Retard” is pronounced rih-TAHD (/ɹɪˈtɑɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “retard” in a sentence?
Here is “retard” used in a sentence: “Cold temperatures retard the growth of bacteria in food.”
What is another word for “retard”?
Words with a similar meaning to “retard” include hinder, slow, slow down, put off and stay back.
What is the opposite of “retard”?
The opposite of “retard” — its antonyms — are accelerate, speed, speed up and come forward.
What part of speech is “retard”?
Depending on how it is used, “retard” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “retard” come from?
The word “retard” comes from Latin. From Latin retardare, "to make slow," from re- + tardus ("slow").
Is “retard” a common word?
“Retard” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
