adjective
retrograde
REHT-ruhg-rayd
Retrograde (adjective) means moving backward, or reversing to an earlier, less advanced state. Example: “Critics called the new policy a retrograde step for workers' rights.”
adjective
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like retrograde.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- retrogrades
- Third person singular
- retrogrades
- Past tense
- retrograded
- Comparative
- more retrograde
- Superlative
- most retrograde
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Critics called the new policy a _____ step for workers' rights.
Etymology
From Latin retrogradus, "moving backward" — from retro ("backward") + gradus ("step").
Synonyms
View more →
retrogressive
retral
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for retrograde
See all rhymes for retrograde →Frequently asked questions
What does “retrograde” mean?
The word “retrograde” means moving backward, or reversing to an earlier, less advanced state. In plain terms, going backward, or reverting to something worse or more old-fashioned.
How do you pronounce “retrograde”?
“Retrograde” is pronounced REHT-ruhg-rayd (/ˈɹɛtɹəˌɡɹeɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “retrograde” in a sentence?
Here is “retrograde” used in a sentence: “Critics called the new policy a retrograde step for workers' rights.”
What is the opposite of “retrograde”?
The opposite of “retrograde” — its antonyms — are anterograde and prograde.
What part of speech is “retrograde”?
“Retrograde” is an adjective.
Where does the word “retrograde” come from?
The word “retrograde” comes from Latin. From Latin retrogradus, "moving backward" — from retro ("backward") + gradus ("step").
How many meanings does “retrograde” have?
“Retrograde” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: moving backward, or reversing to an earlier, less advanced state.
