retro

backward or back

Spelled retro · retro 'backward, behind'

Latin retro points backward: a retrospective looks into the past, retrograde motion goes backward, and a retrorocket slows a spacecraft.

Words built from it

retrospective — Looking back at past events.
Latin retro (backward) + spectare (look) + -ive (having a tendency)
retrograde — Moving backward or returning to a less advanced condition.
Latin retro (backward) + gradi (step) → retrogradus (going backward)
retroactive — Taking effect from a date in the past.
retro- (backward) + active (having an effect)
retrofit — To add newer equipment to something already built.
retro- (backward) + fit (equip or install)
retrorocket — A rocket that produces thrust opposite a spacecraft's motion to slow it.
retro- (backward) + rocket
retrocede — To give territory or rights back to a former holder.
Latin retro (backward) + cedere (go, yield) → retrocedere