regredir

Regredir is a verb in Portuguese that means to move back to a previous state or condition, or to deteriorate or revert. It can apply to physical states, development, processes, or abstract situations. The verb comes from Latin regredī, literally “to go back,” from re- “back” + gradi “to go.”

In everyday speech regredir describes a setback or backward shift in progress, plans, or personal growth. In clinical or psychological contexts, it refers to a temporary return to earlier behaviors or stages—an instance of regression (regressão). In medicine, symptoms or conditions may regress, meaning they lessen in severity or disappear.

Regredir is often contrasted with retroceder, which emphasizes moving back to a prior position, level, or territory, and with recuar, which can convey retreat or hesitation. The related noun is regressão; in statistics or medicine the term regression (regressão) is used to describe similar backward movement in different domains.

Usage notes: The term is widely understood in both everyday and formal language, including medical, psychological, and academic contexts. In contexts that emphasize deterioration or a return to an earlier state, regredir carries a negative or cautionary nuance, whereas plain retreat or return might be described with other verbs depending on the situation.