Retrograde

From Middle English < Latin retrogradus.

Full definition of retrograde

Adjective

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.

Related terms

• anterograde
• prograde

Noun

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.

From Latin retrōgradior or Late Latin retrogredere (retro- ("back") + gradi ("walk")).

Verb

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

Related terms

• retrogress
• retrogression
• retrogressive

Antonyms

• prograde
• direct