What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retroflex
Example
The Hindi language has several retroflex consonants, such as the 'ṭ' and 'ḍ' sounds. [retroflex: adjective]
Example
In linguistics, the symbol 'ɖ' represents a retroflex stop consonant. [retroflex: noun]
Example
The gymnast performed a retroflex pose, bending her back into an arch. [retroflex: verb]
backed
Example
The bookshelf was backed by a sturdy wall for added support. [backed: adjective]
Example
The startup was backed by a group of investors who believed in its potential. [backed: verb]
Example
The politician's stance on climate change is backed by years of research and data. [backed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Backed is a more common and versatile word than retroflex, and is used in a variety of contexts including finance, politics, and everyday conversation. Retroflex is a more specialized term and may not be familiar to many English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retroflex and backed?
Both retroflex and backed can be used in formal or informal contexts, but backed is more commonly used in everyday language and is therefore considered less formal than retroflex which is more technical and specialized.
