regress

[ verb ri-gres; noun ree-gres ]

verb (used without object)

1. to move backward; go back.

   Synonyms: ebb, lapse, backslide, retreat, revert

2. to revert to an earlier or less advanced state or form.

noun

1. the act of going back; return.
2. the right to go back.
3. backward movement or course; retrogression.

regress

verb

1. intr to return or revert, as to a former place, condition, or mode of behaviour
2. tr statistics to measure the extent to which (a dependent variable) is associated with one or more independent variables

noun

1. the act of regressing
2. movement in a backward direction; retrogression
3. logic a supposed explanation each stage of which requires to be similarly explained, as saying that knowledge requires a justification in terms of propositions themselves known to be true

Derived Forms

• reˈgressor, noun

Other Words From

• re·gressor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of regress¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English regresse (noun), from Latin regressus “a return,” noun use of past participle of regredī “to go back, return,” from re- re- + -gredī, combining form of gradī “to step, walk, go”; gradient

Word History and Origins

Origin of regress¹

C14: from Latin regressus a retreat, from regredī to go back, from re- + gradī to go

Example Sentences

If you believe in those figures regressing to the mean - and I do - then "he's due".

From BBC

The performance on the field is regressing, not progressing.

From Los Angeles Times

He finally regressed to his usual juvenile belligerence and insulted Micklethwait and the friendly Wall St. Journal, saying they don't know what they're talking about.

From Salon

“I don’t want the country to regress right back to the same state it was with Trump,” he added.

From BBC

I only write when I feel like if I don’t write, then I’m moving backwards or I’m regressing in my own personal healing journey.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• degenerate
• deteriorate
• ebb
• fall back
• fall off
• recede
• revert