retardation
UK[ˌriː.tɑːˈdeɪ.ʃən]US[ˌriː.tɑːrˈdeɪ.ʃən]
n
the act of making something happen or develop more slowly; delay
n
the condition of developing or progressing more slowly than is typical
Morpheme Breakdown
re
tard
ation
re
back, again
tard
slow
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'retardation' has a clear lineage from latin, built upon the adjective 'tardus', meaning slow or sluggish. the prefix 're-', which often implies a backward motion or intensity, is attached to the root 'tard' to form the verb 'retardare', meaning to make slow, delay, or hinder. the addition of the noun-forming suffix '-ation' transforms this action into the abstract noun denoting the process or state of being slowed down. this logical construction moved from the physical concept of slowness into modern english, where it describes both the act of delaying and a developmental condition characterized by delayed progress.
Analysis
Structure: re (back, again) + tard (slow) + ation (noun suffix)
re- (latin prefix, meaning 'back' or 'again'), tard (latin root, from 'tardus', meaning 'slow'), -ation (latin-derived noun-forming suffix, indicating an action or process)
Examples
the cold weather caused a significant retardation in the growth of the crops.
early intervention programs are crucial for children with mental retardation.
scientists studied the retardation of the chemical reaction by the inhibitor.