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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;
as, a
retrograde
motion
; – opposed to
progressive
.
“Progressive and not retrograde.”
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.
[L. retrogradior; retro, backwards, and gradior, to go.]
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.
[L. retrogradior; retro and gradior, to go.] To go or move backward.

Definition 2024


retrograde

retrograde

English

Adjective

retrograde (comparative more retrograde, superlative most retrograde)

  1. Directed backwards, retreating; reverting especially inferior state, declining; inverse, reverse; movement opposite to normal or intended motion, often circular motion.
    retrograde ideas, morals, etc.
  2. Counterproductive to a desired outcome.
    • Shakespeare
    • It is most retrograde to our desire.
  3. (astronomy, of a body orbiting another) In the opposite direction to the orbited body's spin.
  4. (geology) Describing a metamorphic change resulting from a decreasing pressure or temperature.
Translations
Related terms

Etymology 2

Noun

retrograde (plural retrogrades)

  1. A degenerate person.
  2. (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

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)

  1. (intransitive) To move backwards; to recede; to retire; to decline; to revert.
  2. (intransitive, astronomy) To show retrogradation.
Translations
Related terms

Antonyms


Italian

Adjective

retrograde

  1. Feminine plural form of retrogrado

Spanish

Verb

retrograde

  1. First-person singular (yo) present subjunctive form of retrogradar.
  2. Formal second-person singular (usted) present subjunctive form of retrogradar.
  3. Third-person singular (él, ella, also used with usted?) present subjunctive form of retrogradar.
  4. Formal second-person singular (usted) imperative form of retrogradar.