# retardation

/ɹitɑɹˈdeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪtɑːdˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retardation
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a delay or a slowing down of something. In music, it means a note or sound is played slightly later than it should be.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.