Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Retrograde
Re′tro-grade
,Adj.
[L.
retrogradus
, from retrogradi
, retrogressus
, to retrograde; retro
back + gradi
to step: cf. F. rétrograde
. See Grade
.] 1.
(Astron.)
Apparently moving backward, and contrary to the succession of the signs, that is, from east to west, as a planet.
Hutton.
And if he be in the west side in that condition, then is he
retrograde
. Chaucer.
2.
Tending or moving backward; having a backward course; contrary;
“Progressive and not retrograde.” as, a
; – opposed to retrograde
motionprogressive
. Bacon.
It is most
retrograde
to our desire. Shakespeare
3.
Declining from a better to a worse state;
as, a
retrograde
people; retrograde
ideas, morals, etc. Bacon.
Re′tro-grade
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Retrograded
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Retrograding
.] [L.
retrogradare
, retrogradi
: cf. F. rétrograder
.] 1.
To go in a retrograde direction; to move, or appear to move, backward, as a planet.
2.
Hence, to decline from a better to a worse condition, as in morals or intelligence.
Webster 1828 Edition
Retrograde
RET'ROGRADE
,Adj.
1.
Going or moving backwards.2.
In astronomy, apparently moving backward and contrary to the succession of the signs, as a planet.3.
Declining from a better to a worse state.RET'ROGRADE
,Verb.
I.
Definition 2024
retrograde
retrograde
English
Adjective
retrograde (comparative more retrograde, superlative most retrograde)
- Directed backwards, retreating; reverting especially inferior state, declining; inverse, reverse; movement opposite to normal or intended motion, often circular motion.
- retrograde ideas, morals, etc.
- Counterproductive to a desired outcome.
- Shakespeare
- It is most retrograde to our desire.
- (astronomy, of a body orbiting another) In the opposite direction to the orbited body's spin.
- (geology) Describing a metamorphic change resulting from a decreasing pressure or temperature.
Translations
Directed backwards...
|
|
Counterproductive to a desired outcome
|
(astronomy) In the opposite direction to the orbited body's spin
|
|
(geology) Describing a metamorphic change
|
Related terms
Etymology 2
Noun
retrograde (plural retrogrades)
- A degenerate person.
- (music) The reversal of a melody so that what is played first in the original melody is played last and what is played last in the original melody is played first.
Translations
degenerate person
|
Etymology 3
From Latin retrōgradior or Late Latin retrogredere (retro- (“back”) + gradi (“walk”)).
Verb
retrograde (third-person singular simple present retrogrades, present participle retrograding, simple past and past participle retrograded)
- (intransitive) To move backwards; to recede; to retire; to decline; to revert.
- (intransitive, astronomy) To show retrogradation.
Translations
astronomy: to show retrogradation
|
Related terms
Antonyms
Spanish
Verb
retrograde
- First-person singular (yo) present subjunctive form of retrogradar.
- Formal second-person singular (usted) present subjunctive form of retrogradar.
- Third-person singular (él, ella, also used with usted?) present subjunctive form of retrogradar.
- Formal second-person singular (usted) imperative form of retrogradar.