Retarded
/rɪˈtɑːrdɪd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Retarded means slowed down or delayed in growth, development, or progress. It can describe things like movements, processes, or growth that happen more slowly than normal. In the past, it was used to describe people with learning difficulties, but today it is seen as rude and disrespectful in that use.
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See It in Action
Slowed or delayed development or progress
- •The growth of the plant was retarded due to lack of sunlight.
- •Economic development was retarded by political problems.
- •The reaction was retarded by low temperature.
(Outdated and offensive) A term formerly used to describe people with intellectual disabilities
- •This use is now considered disrespectful and should be avoided.
- •Instead, use "person with intellectual disability" or "person with learning difficulties."
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "retarded" like "slow," but more formal or technical when talking about processes or growth
- ✓Picture a clock that runs slower than usual or a plant that grows more slowly than others
- ✓It's the feeling when something is not keeping up or is behind others in development
- ✓Sounds like "re-TAR-did" → imagine a car that is "retarding" (slowing down) on a road
- ✓In older stories or movies, this word was used in medical or educational settings but now is replaced by kinder, more respectful words
- ✓NOT like "fast" (quick), "retarded" means delayed or slower
- ✓NOT like "disabled" (general word for difficulty), "retarded" specifically means slowed development or delay
- ✓NOT like "late" (time), "retarded" is about slow growth or progress, not just arriving late
Try Other Words
- •Delayed: happening later than expected (Use when talking about events or processes that happen late)
- •Slowed: made slower (Use when emphasizing the speed of movement or progress)
- •Hindered: made difficult or blocked (Use when something stops or blocks progress)
- •Impeded: slowed or stopped progress (Use in formal or technical contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "re-" (again or back) + "tard" (slow) + "-ed" (past participle/adjective form)
- •Etymology: From Latin "retardare," meaning to slow down or delay
- •Historical development: Originally a neutral term in English for slowing or delaying; later used in medical contexts for delayed development
- •Modern usage: Now considered offensive when used for people; still used in technical or scientific contexts to mean delayed or slowed
Reflect & Connect
•How does the meaning of "retarded" change depending on the context in which it is used?
•Why is it important to choose respectful language when talking about people with disabilities?
Fill in the blanks
1.The cold weather retarded the plant's growth because it ___ enough sunlight and warmth.
2.When we say progress is retarded, it means something is ___ or delayed.
3.Unlike "slow," "retarded" is often used in more ___ or technical situations.
4.The word "retarded" used to describe people is now considered ___ and should be avoided.
5.Economic development can be retarded by problems like ___ or lack of resources.
6.In science, a reaction that is retarded happens ___ than usual.
7.To be respectful, say "person with intellectual disability" instead of using the ___ word "retarded."