What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refluent
Example
The refluent tide carried the debris back out to sea. [refluent: adjective]
Example
The waves were refluent, pulling the sand back into the ocean. [refluent: adjective]
Example
The company's profits were refluent after a period of decline. [refluent: adjective]
retrograde
Example
The car went into retrograde and started rolling back down the hill. [retrograde: adjective]
Example
The company's sales figures were in retrograde, showing a steady decline over the past year. [retrograde: adjective]
Example
His views on social issues were considered retrograde by many of his peers. [retrograde: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retrograde is more commonly used than refluent in everyday language. Retrograde is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while refluent is less common and refers to a specific type of backward movement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between refluent and retrograde?
Both refluent and retrograde are formal words, but refluent is more technical and scientific in nature, while retrograde is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
