Retro Meaning and Definition
Retro
Pronunciation
/ˈtriːtroʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun or adjective
Definition
A style or design that is reminiscent of a previous era, typically the 1950s or 1980s, characterized by a nostalgic or vintage quality.
Examples
- The clothing store featured a retro clothing line inspired by the 1970s.
- The diner’s retro decor aimed to recreate the atmosphere of a 1950s diner.
Synonyms
- Vintage
- Antique
- Revival
Antonyms
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Avant-garde
Etymology
From the Latin “retro”, meaning “backward”, and the suffix “-o”, indicating a place or thing.
Usage Notes
Retro can be used to describe a style or design that is intentionally nostalgic or vintage, or a cultural phenomenon that is revived or reinterpreted.
Cultural References
Retro has been used in popular culture to describe a wide range of artistic and cultural movements, including the retro-futurism of science fiction films and the retro-style synthesizer music of the 1980s.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Going back in time”
- “Retro-futurism”
- “Retro-style”
Related Words or Phrases
- Vintage
- Antique
- Revival
- Youthquake
Collocations
- Retro clothing
- Retro decor
- Retro music
- Retro technology
Frequency of Use
Retro has become a popular term in modern language, particularly in the context of design, fashion, and popular culture.
Common Misspellings
- Retra
- Retroo
- Retroe