retarded
UK: rɪˈtɑːdɪd | US: rɪˈtɑːrdɪd
adj. 1. Delayed or slowed in development or progress.
adj. 2. (Offensive) Having intellectual or cognitive disabilities (dated/pejorative usage).
v. (past tense of retard) To delay or hinder progress.
retarded = re<back> + tard<slow> + ed<past participle suffix>
- re-: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again."
- tard: From Latin tardus, meaning "slow."
- -ed: English suffix forming past participles or adjectives.
Etymology Origin:
The word retarded originates from the Latin tardus (slow), combined with the prefix re- (back/again), implying a "slowing back" or delay. Initially neutral (e.g., "retarded growth"), it later became a medical term for developmental delays. Over time, its pejorative use overshadowed its technical meaning, leading to its decline in professional contexts.
The chemical reaction was retarded by the low temperature.
(Historical/offensive) The term "mentally retarded" is now considered inappropriate.
Progress on the project was retarded by budget cuts.
The child’s reading skills were significantly retarded due to lack of practice.
Modern language favors terms like "developmentally delayed" over retarded.