retroceder (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Retroceder is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /retɾoθeˈðeɾ/ in Spain and /retɾoseˈðeɾ/ in Latin America.

Translation Options into English

• To retreat
• To go back
• To reverse

Meaning and Usage

Retroceder primarily means to step back or to go back in space or time. It can be used in various contexts, including physical movements (like stepping back), metaphorical situations (like regressing in decisions or developments), or legal contexts (like reversing a judicial decision). The word is used fairly frequently both in oral and written contexts, with a slightly higher prevalence in written texts, especially in formal contexts related to law and military.

Example Sentences

1. El ejército tuvo que retroceder ante el ataque enemigo.
   The army had to retreat in the face of the enemy attack.

2. Decidió retroceder en su decisión de mudarse a otra ciudad.
   He decided to go back on his decision to move to another city.

3. Es difícil retroceder en la historia y cambiar los eventos ocurridos.
   It's hard to go back in history and change the events that occurred.

Idiomatic Expressions

While retroceder is not commonly featured in numerous idiomatic expressions, it embodies the concept of moving back or regressing, which can be interpreted in various metaphorical phrases. Here are some examples:

1. Retroceder no es una opción.
   Going back is not an option. (This suggests that one must keep moving forward despite obstacles.)

2. Es mejor retroceder un paso y pensar antes de actuar.
   It’s better to take a step back and think before acting. (A reminder to consider decisions carefully.)

3. La economía ha retrocedido en los últimos años.
   The economy has gone back in recent years. (This can refer to a decline in economic conditions.)

4. A veces hay que retroceder para avanzar con más fuerza.
   Sometimes you have to go back to move forward with more strength. (Implying that reflection and reconsideration can lead to better outcomes.)

5. No podemos retroceder en nuestros derechos, debemos luchar por ellos.
   We cannot go back on our rights, we must fight for them. (Emphasizing perseverance in the fight for rights.)

Etymology

The word retroceder comes from the Latin retrocedere, where "retro" means "back" and "cedere" means "to go." It reflects the idea of moving backward or receding in some manner.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Reculer (to recoil)
• Reverter (to revert)

• Retirarse (to withdraw)

• Antonyms:

• Avanzar (to advance)
• Progresar (to progress)
• Adelantar (to move forward)

This provides an overview of the word retroceder, its usages, and related linguistic aspects.