retrocede
“retrocede” means “moves back” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
moves back, retreats
Also: steps back
📝 In Action
Cuando ve el perro grande, la niña retrocede por miedo.
B1When she sees the big dog, the girl moves back out of fear.
El coche retrocede lentamente para aparcar.
A2The car moves back slowly to park.
loses ground, goes back on
Also: declines
📝 In Action
Si no estudiamos, el grupo retrocede en el proyecto.
B2If we don't study, the group loses ground on the project.
La empresa retrocede en sus planes de expansión por falta de capital.
C1The company goes back on its expansion plans due to lack of capital.
is reversed, is set back
Also: rolls back
📝 In Action
Cada otoño, el reloj retrocede una hora para el cambio de horario.
B2Every autumn, the clock is set back one hour for the time change.
Si hay un error, el programa retrocede automáticamente la última acción.
C1If there is an error, the program automatically reverses the last action.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "retrocede" in Spanish:
declines→is reversed→loses ground→moves back→retreats→rolls back→steps back→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: retrocede
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'retrocede' in the figurative sense of losing progress?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin verb *retrocedere*, formed by combining *retro* (meaning 'back' or 'backward') and *cedere* (meaning 'to yield' or 'to go'). The original meaning was literally 'to go back' or 'to yield backward'.
First recorded: Classical Latin
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'retrocede' different from 'volver' (to return)?
'Volver' usually means returning to a previous location or state (like 'coming back home'). 'Retrocede' specifically means physically moving or stepping backward, or suffering a setback (moving in the wrong direction).
Can I use 'retrocede' as a command?
Yes, but only in the informal 'tú' form ('¡Retrocede!') or the formal 'usted' form, which is '¡Retroceda!' (The word 'retrocede' itself is the informal command to one person: 'Tú, retrocede!').