to retrograde
8.6
To move backward or in the opposite direction
- verb
- /ˈrɛtrəˌɡreɪd/
:
retroceder
- The planet Mercury appears to retrograde when it moves backward in its orbit from our point of view on Earth.
Examples
-
As this occurs, the expanding upper-level ridge of high pressure (blue circle) will continue to retrograde west as a large blocky pattern develops.
Blog text (32) -
During its retrograde phase, the comet seemed to retrograde as it looped back toward the outer regions of the solar system.
-
As the train approached the station, it unexpectedly retrograded back to its previous location due to a signal failure.
Synonyms
to back
vsto retrograde
475
1.0
To move in the direction behind you
is broader, meaning motion opposite to the usual or expected direction
238
2.7
Move backwards to make space or avoid something
emphasises direction opposite to expected rather than only reversing movement
to retreat
vsto retrograde
235
4.0
To move back from a place or plan to avoid danger
refers to moving opposite to usual direction, not only withdrawal for safety
1
8.7
To go back to an earlier, worse state
means physical or directional opposite motion rather than decline
Antonyms
Compounds
How Far Back
to reverse
329
3.2
329
3.2
to retreat
235
4.0
235
4.0
to recede
29
4.8
29
4.8
to retrograde
8.6
to move back
283
1.7
283
1.7
to back up
238
2.7
- Specialized
238
2.7
Surface Forms
retrograde infinitive
retrograded past
retrograded past participle
retrograding present participle
retrogrades third person singular
Etymology
Retrograde comes from retro- 'back' and gradus 'step', so to retrograde is to 'step back' or move backward. This is the simple idea behind the verb form.