retarder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency in general use; technical medium frequency.Technical, formal, industrial.
Quick answer
What does “retarder” mean?
A device, substance, or agent that slows down or delays a process.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device, substance, or agent that slows down or delays a process.
Primarily refers to a chemical additive that slows the setting of concrete or mortar, or a device in heavy vehicles to provide braking assistance. Can also mean, in a general sense, anything or anyone that causes delay.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in technical contexts. The general meaning of 'something that causes delay' is slightly more likely in formal British English but remains uncommon in both.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts. In general use, can carry a mildly negative connotation of unnecessary hindrance.
Frequency
Equally low in everyday language; equally standard in technical domains.
Grammar
How to Use “retarder” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT] acts as a retarder[SUBJECT] functions with a retarder[SUBJECT] containing a retarderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retarder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The additive will retard the curing process.
- Nothing should retard our advance.
American English
- The chemical retards the set time.
- Bad weather retarded the project's progress.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like construction or logistics.
Academic
Used in engineering, materials science, and chemistry papers.
Everyday
Very rare; 'thing that slows something down' is more common.
Technical
Standard term in civil engineering (concrete), automotive engineering, and chemical processing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “retarder”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “retarder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retarder”
- Using 'retarder' as a common synonym for 'obstacle.'
- Pronouncing it /ˈriːtɑːdə/ (like 're-' in 'retell'). Correct is /rɪˈtɑːdə/.
- Misspelling as 'retardor.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern technical and formal contexts, no—it is a neutral term. However, its historical and offensive use as a slur for a person with an intellectual disability means you should use it ONLY in its technical sense to avoid causing offence.
Brakes are friction-based systems for stopping. A retarder is an auxiliary system (often using engine compression or electromagnetism) that slows the vehicle without using the friction brakes, reducing wear and preventing fade on long descents.
It's not recommended. It sounds overly technical or, worse, can be misconstrued. Use simpler terms like 'something that slows it down,' 'delaying agent,' or specifically 'concrete additive' or 'engine brake.'
It is used in formal and technical writing (e.g., "to retard the progress of a reaction") but is often avoided in general speech due to its potential negative connotations. 'Delay,' 'slow down,' or 'inhibit' are safer choices.
A device, substance, or agent that slows down or delays a process.
Retarder is usually technical, formal, industrial. in register.
Retarder: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈtɑːdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈtɑːrdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Act as a retarder to progress.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RETARDER in a truck – it RE-TARDS, or 'slows again,' helping the main brakes.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RETARDER is a SHIELD AGAINST SPEED or a HAND ON THE CLOCK.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'retarder' MOST precisely and commonly used?