How to pronounce retrograde
Say it like RET-ruh-grayd. Retrograde has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce retrograde. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RET
- ruh
- grayd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Retrograde pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- graydGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of retrograde
American and British speakers say retrograde in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛtrəˌɡreɪd/ in the US and /ˈrɛtrəʊɡreɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: RET-roh-grayd.
What does retrograde mean?
- Directed or moving backwards in relation to the normal or previous direction of travel; retreating.
- Reverting to an inferior or less developed state; declining, regressing.
- Of an animal: appearing to regress to a less developed form during its lifetime.
- In a reverse direction; backwards.
- A movement backwards or opposite to the intended or normal motion.
- The apparent movement of a planet across the sky in the opposite direction from its ordinary movement.
- One who opposes social reform, favoring the maintenance of the status quo; a conservative.
Where does retrograde come from?
The adverb and noun are derived from the adjective.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying retrograde
How do you pronounce retrograde?
Say RET-ruh-grayd. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛtrəˌɡreɪd/. In British English it is /ˈrɛtrəʊɡreɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in retrograde?
Retrograde has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RET). Broken into parts: RET · ruh · grayd.
Do Americans and Brits say retrograde the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛtrəˌɡreɪd/ and the British form is /ˈrɛtrəʊɡreɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.