regress

American  

[ri-gres, ree-gres] / rɪˈgrɛs, ˈri grɛs /

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.

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noun

1. the act of going back; return.

2. the right to go back.

3. backward movement or course; retrogression.

regress British  

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

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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

Other Word Forms

• regressor noun

Etymology

Origin of regress

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

Example Sentences

Yet if these growth rates regress to the mean, as they have in the past, value stocks are quite likely to outperform growth stocks over the next several years.

From MarketWatch

The Rams have regressed a bit on defence and there's a significant special teams advantage to Seattle.

From BBC

Jones, the next quarterback the Pats hoped would fill Brady’s shoes, regressed after a promising rookie year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Following this treatment, the remaining tumour fully regressed.

From BBC

One year after winning 10 games with one of the league’s most potent offenses, they’ve regressed in pretty much every way.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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