Retrograde

Adjective

Definition: Moving or tending backward.

Definition: Declining or deteriorating.

Synonyms: Regressive, Backward, Declining

Antonyms: Progressive, Forward, Advancing

Examples:

The car went into retrograde and started moving in reverse.
The company's retrograde sales have led to financial troubles.

Mnemonics:

"The car moved into retrograde, reversing its direction."
"Retrograde sales caused a decline in the company's profits."

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English (as a noun): from Latin retrogradus, from retro- ‘backwards’ + gradus ‘step’. The adjective dates from the late 16th century.

Historical Usage:

Originally used in the field of astronomy to describe the apparent backward motion of a planet. Over time, its usage expanded to describe anything moving or declining in a backward or regressive manner.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Go into retrograde"

Explanation:

Refers to a situation where something starts moving or declining backward or in the opposite direction.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Assuming it only refers to astronomical phenomena.

Explanation:

While its origin lies in astronomy, retrograde is commonly used to describe any backward or regressive movement, not limited to celestial bodies.