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regress
Regress (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does regress mean?
To return to an earlier, less advanced state or condition, often as a result of a setback or failure.
"The technology might regress if continuous innovation isn't encouraged."
Detailed Meaning of Regress
It can also mean to revert to an earlier stage of development, growth, or progress. The term "regress" can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from personal setbacks and emotional setbacks to economic and political situations. In many cases, the idea of "regress" implies a sense of disappointment or frustration, as someone or something is unable to maintain a level of progress or improvement. It can also be used in a more technical sense, such as in statistics or psychology, to describe a phenomenon in which a particular variable changes over time in a non-linear way.
Example Sentences for Regress
1. Please ensure that your progress does not regress due to lack of practice.
2. If the software isn't updated regularly, it could regress to its previous glitches.
3. The team should focus on their skills, or they might regress to a beginner level.
4. Regular exercise is important, otherwise, your physical fitness may regress.
5. Should the negotiations halt, the peace process could regress.
6. If she ceases to practice her new language, her fluency will regress.
Origin and Etymology of Regress
The verb 'regress' has its origins in Latin, coming from the word 'regredi,' which means 'to go back' or 'to return.' It is formed by combining 're,' indicating 'back' or 'again,' and 'gradi,' meaning 'to step' or 'to go.' In Latin, 'regredi' was used to describe the act of going back or returning to a previous location or state. As the word was adopted into English, it took on the broader sense of returning to an earlier, less advanced state or condition, often as a result of a setback or failure. The etymology of 'regress' underscores the idea of going back or stepping backward, emphasizing the notion of returning to a less favorable or less developed state.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the verb regress:
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More Usage Examples of Regress
1. I fear that without proper guidance, our project may regress.
2. Despite advances, the society could still regress to old prejudiced ways.
3. Without careful maintenance, the garden could regress to a wild state.
4. Should you stop writing daily, your writing skills could regress.
5. Be cautious, as too much pressure could cause the system to regress.
6. If the discussions turn unproductive, our planning could regress.
7. She worried her fear of public speaking might regress without practice.
8. Due to lack of therapy, his mental health could regress.
9. Without regular study, your understanding of the subject might regress.
10. If we ignore the infrastructure, our city's development could regress.
11. In absence of a good diet, your health might regress.
12. If you fail to innovate, your business model could regress.
13. After the injury, his performance seemed to regress significantly.
14. Stress can cause people to regress in their emotional development.
15. Frustration can make some individuals regress to childlike behavior.
16. The project's setbacks made it regress to an earlier stage.
17. Without proper support, students may regress academically.
18. A sudden loss can cause people to regress in their grieving process.
19. The economic crisis caused the country to regress economically.
20. Some people regress to unhealthy habits during times of stress.
21. In times of crisis, individuals may regress to survival instincts.
22. The software update caused the computer to regress in performance.
23. The political unrest caused the nation to regress in stability.
24. Despite progress, setbacks can make individuals regress momentarily.
Synonyms and Related Words for Regress
Related Vocabulary Practice
Test your understanding of regress in related quizzes, flashcards, and spelling activities:
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Reduce and Weaken
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
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✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT