RETROGRADELY

Etymology

Adverb

retrogradely (comparative more retrogradely, superlative most retrogradely)

(sciences) With a backward motion

Antonyms

• anterogradely

Source: Wiktionary


RETROGRADE

Re"tro*grade, a. Etym: [L. retrogradus, from retrogradi, retrogressus, to retrograde; retro back + gradi to step: cf. F. rétrograde. See Grade.]

1. (Astron.)

Definition: 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 Ant: progressive. "Progressive and not retrograde." Bacon. It is most retrograde to our desire. Shak.

3. Declining from a better to a worse state; as, a retrograde people; retrograde ideas, morals, etc. Bacon.

Re"tro*grade, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retrograded; p. pr. & vb. n. Retrograding.] Etym: [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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

28 February 2025

PRESCRIPTIVE

(adjective) pertaining to giving directives or rules; “prescriptive grammar is concerned with norms of or rules for correct usage”


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Coffee Trivia

An article published in Harvard Men’s Health Watch in 2012 shows heavy coffee drinkers live longer. The researchers examined data from 400,000 people and found out that men who drank six or more coffee cups per day had a 10% lower death rate.

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