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Retrograde vs Reversal - What's the difference?

retrograde | reversal |

As adjectives the difference between retrograde and reversal

is that retrograde is directed backwards, retreating; reverting especially inferior state, declining; inverse, reverse; movement opposite to normal or intended motion, often circular motion while reversal is intended to reverse; implying reversal.

As nouns the difference between retrograde and reversal

is that retrograde is a degenerate person while reversal is the state of being reversed.

As a verb retrograde

is to move backwards; to recede; to retire; to decline; to revert.

retrograde

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) < (etyl) retrogradus.

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Directed backwards, retreating; reverting especially inferior state, declining; inverse, reverse; movement opposite to normal or intended motion, often circular motion.
  • retrograde ideas, morals, etc.
  • Counterproductive to a desired outcome.
  • * Shakespeare
  • * It is most retrograde to our desire.
  • (astronomy, of a body orbiting another) In the opposite direction to the orbited body's spin.
  • Etymology 2

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A degenerate person.
  • (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.
  • Etymology 3

    From (etyl) ).

    Verb

    (retrograd)
  • To move backwards; to recede; to retire; to decline; to revert.
  • (astronomy) To show retrogradation.
  • Antonyms

    * prograde * direct ----

    reversal

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The state of being reversed.
  • An instance of reversing.
  • A change in fortune; a change from being successful to having problems.
  • Adjective

    (-)
  • Intended to reverse; implying reversal.
  • (Bishop Burnet)