Word
retardation
Phoneticsre·tar·da·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ɹitɑɹˈdeɪʃən/
UK/ɹɪtɑːdˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a delay or a slowing down of something. In music, it means a note or sound is played slightly later than it should be.
n. a reduction in the speed or rate of a process. In a musical context, it refers to the intentional delay of a note or sound relative to its expected timing.
Examples
“The drummer added a bit of retardation to the final measure.”
“In jazz, a musician might use a slight retardation to create a sense of tension before resolving back to the main beat.”
“The composer's use of rhythmic retardation in the second movement creates a feeling of hesitation and uncertainty that mirrors the protagonist's internal conflict.”
Examples
simple
“The drummer added a bit of retardation to the final measure.”
contextual
“In jazz, a musician might use a slight retardation to create a sense of tension before resolving back to the main beat.”
complex
“The composer's use of rhythmic retardation in the second movement creates a feeling of hesitation and uncertainty that mirrors the protagonist's internal conflict.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “retardation” in context.
Adjective
01. mental retardation
“In modern clinical practice, the term 'intellectual disability' has largely replaced 'mental retardation' to avoid stigma.”
adj + noun
Etymology
From retard + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/retardation