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Retreating - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Retreating means moving back or withdrawing, often to avoid danger or conflict. It can describe physical movement, like soldiers retreating from battle, or metaphorical withdrawal, such as retreating from an argument.

retreating

/rɪˈtriːtɪŋ/ /rɪˈtriːtɪŋ/

Definition:

Moving back or withdrawing, often from danger or a difficult situation.

Synonyms:

withdrawing, receding, backing away, fleeing

Part of Speech:

verb, adjective

Antonyms:

advancing, progressing

Common Collocations:

retreating army, retreating footsteps, retreating glacier

Derivatives:

retreat, retreated, retreater

Usage Tips:

Use "retreating" to describe moving away from something, often due to fear or strategy.

Common Phrases:

beat a retreat, in full retreat, retreating into oneself

Etymology:

From Old French "retret," meaning "to draw back," from Latin "retrahere."

Examples:

  • 1. The enemy soldiers are retreating from the battlefield.
  • 2. She watched the retreating waves leave shells on the sand.
  • 3. The team is retreating to discuss their strategy.
  • 4. His hairline is slowly retreating with age.

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