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regression

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /rɪˈɡrɛʃən/

KK: /rɪˈɡrɛʃən/

noun
Definition

A return to a previous state or condition, often indicating a decline or deterioration in progress or development.


Example

The patient's regression in health was concerning to the doctors.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the concept of regression in psychology?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s when someone goes back to an earlier way of thinking or behaving, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It can be really interesting to see how it affects people's actions.
Sloth B
For sure! I think it shows how complex our minds really are.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reversion
decline
setback
Antonyms
progression
advancement
improvement
Root Explanation

Regression → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "gressio" (from "gradi", meaning to step or go). The word describes the act of stepping back or returning to a previous state.

Memory Tip

Think of 'going back' ('re-') to a previous state of being ('gressio' means to step or go). This helps you remember that regression refers to returning to an earlier condition.

Visually Confused Words
egression
repression
degression
retrogression
preaggression
nonregression
progression
recession
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