What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retrocede
Example
The army was forced to retrocede from their position due to heavy enemy fire. [retrocede: verb]
Example
The company decided to retrocede some of its profits to invest in new technology. [retroceding: gerund or present participle]
recede
Example
The tide began to recede, revealing more of the beach. [recede: verb]
Example
The pain in my knee gradually receded after taking medication. [receded: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recede is more commonly used than retrocede in everyday language. Recede is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retrocede is less common and more formal, typically used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retrocede and recede?
Retrocede is more formal than recede and is often used in military or legal contexts. Recede is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
