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How to pronounce Retro

How to Pronounce "Retro"

Definition: How to say "Retro" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ˈrɛtroʊ – pronounced as RET-roh

How to say "Retro" correctly

Here are some definitions of Retro.

  • Imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past.
  • Nostalgically retrospective or old-fashioned.
  • Of or designating the style of an earlier time.
  • Characterized by retrograde motion or direction.
  • Of or pertaining to a style that is consciously derivative or imitative of trends, modes, fashions, or attitudes of the recent past.

Using Retro correctly with the following examples:

  • She decorated her house in a retro style, with bright colors and geometric patterns.
  • The fashion designer’s latest collection has a retro vibe, inspired by the 1970s.
  • The diner had a retro feel, with vintage jukeboxes and checkered floors.
  • They decided to throw a retro-themed party, asking guests to dress in 80s attire.
  • The movie’s soundtrack featured retro hits from the 1960s and 70s.

Related words to Retro:

Metro, Petro, Vetro, Retreat, Metrosexual, Retrogress, Retroactive, Retroflex, Retrograde, Retrospect,

Synonyms for Retro

Vintage, Classic, Old-fashioned, Nostalgic, Antique, Retrograde, Period, Throwback, Quaint, Outdated,

Antonyms for Retro

Modern, Contemporary, Current, Futuristic, Trendy, Innovative, Avant-garde, Cutting-edge, Progressive, Up-to-date,

Review Retro
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Tips to improve your pronunciation of ‘Retro’

Here are a couple of tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Retro‘:

  • Try to Break ‘Retro’ down into each individual sound, speak it aloud and exaggerate each sound until you can consistently say it without making a mistake.
  • Record ‘Retro‘ in full sentences then listen back. You’ll be able to find all of your mistakes quite easily.
  • Search for pronounciation videos on Youtube or Google for how to pronounce ‘Retro‘ accurately.
  • Target a single accent: when you mix multiple accents, it could get really confusing, especially for beginners, so pick just one accent (US or UK), perhaps UK and master that first.


More tips\techniques to enhance your English pronunciation skills, we recommend embrace these techniques:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is common in the U.S. and is viewed as a regular element of casual conversation. For example, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is commonplace. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for additional understanding.

Improving your intonation is vital for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English play a significant role in conveying your intended message and emotions. Many resources and videos on Youtube can help you in understanding these components to pronounce ‘Retro’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle crucial language skills. Pronounce.tv is an additional excellent source for honing your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Retro’ and strive to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it a part of your routine.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you better pronounce challenging words.

Regularly use English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more comfortable you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the word retro first coined or started being used?

The term “retro” is derived from the Latin word “retro,” meaning backward or behind. The concept of retro design or style is often associated with nostalgia for the past, particularly the mid-20th century. The use of the word “retro” to describe this aesthetic started gaining popularity in the 1970s and became more widely used in the 1980s. However, the idea of looking to the past for inspiration in design and fashion has been around for much longer. The term “retro” has since become a widely recognized term to describe anything that is inspired by or reminiscent of styles, trends, or products from a previous era.

Can the pronunciation of the word retro vary based on its usage in a sentence?

Yes, the pronunciation of the word “retro” can vary based on its usage in a sentence. “Retro” is commonly pronounced as “REH-tro” with the stress on the first syllable. However, some people may also pronounce it as “reh-TRO” with the stress on the second syllable. The pronunciation can also be influenced by regional accents or personal preference. In general, both pronunciations are widely accepted and understood, so variations in pronunciation based on context or emphasis are common.

How does the pronunciation of retro compare to other similar terms?

The pronunciation of “retro” is similar to other terms with the same ending such as “metro” and “intro.” These words all have the same stress pattern, with the emphasis on the first syllable and the second syllable being pronounced with a short vowel sound followed by the “o” sound. The ending “-tro” is pronounced with a clear “o” sound, making it rhyme with words like “throw” or “go.” Overall, the pronunciation of “retro” is consistent with other words that share the same suffix, making it easy to remember and pronounce correctly.

Are there any slang terms related to the word retro?

Yes, there are several slang terms related to the word retro. One common slang term is “vintage,” which is often used to describe items from a previous era that are considered stylish or of high quality. Another slang term is “old school,” which refers to something that is classic or traditional, often from a past era. Additionally, the term “throwback” is used to describe something that is reminiscent of an earlier time period or style. These slang terms are often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to refer to things that have a retro or vintage aesthetic.

Do people ever mispronounce the word retro?

Yes, people do sometimes mispronounce the word “retro.” The word “retro” is derived from the Latin word “retro,” meaning backward or behind. It is pronounced as “reh-troh,” with the stress on the first syllable. However, some people may mistakenly pronounce it as “ree-troh” or “reh-trow.” This mispronunciation may occur due to regional accents, lack of familiarity with the word, or simply hearing it pronounced incorrectly by others. It is important to note the correct pronunciation to ensure effective communication and avoid misunderstandings.

In which contexts is the word retro often used?

The word “retro” is commonly used in various contexts to refer to things that are reminiscent of or imitative of styles, trends, or designs from the past. In fashion, “retro” describes clothing or accessories that are inspired by trends from previous decades, such as the 1960s, 70s, or 80s. In music, “retro” can refer to a revival of older styles or genres, like rockabilly or disco. In design and decor, “retro” often signifies a vintage or nostalgic aesthetic, with elements from mid-century modern or art deco eras. Additionally, in technology, “retro” can describe old-fashioned or outdated gadgets or devices that have a nostalgic appeal, like retro gaming consoles or rotary phones. Overall, the term “retro” is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of contexts where there is a desire to evoke the charm and nostalgia of the past.

What are some common alternate pronunciations of the word retro?

The word “retro” is commonly pronounced with two syllables as “reh-troh.” However, there are some alternate pronunciations that are also widely accepted. One common variation is “reh-tro,” where the second syllable is pronounced with a short “o” sound. Another alternate pronunciation is “ree-troh,” where the first syllable is pronounced with a long “ee” sound. Additionally, some people may pronounce it as “ray-troh,” with the first syllable sounding like the word “ray.” Ultimately, the pronunciation of “retro” can vary depending on regional dialects and personal preferences.

How can the pronunciation of retro vary across different regions?

The pronunciation of the word “retro” can vary across different regions due to differences in accents, dialects, and regional phonetic variations. In some regions, such as British English, the emphasis may be placed on the first syllable, resulting in a pronunciation closer to “REH-tro.” In American English, the emphasis may be placed on the second syllable, leading to a pronunciation more like “reh-TRO.” Additionally, regional accents can influence the vowel sounds and the overall intonation of the word. For example, in some parts of the United States, the “e” sound in the first syllable may be pronounced more like “eh” or “ih.” Overall, the pronunciation of “retro” can vary widely depending on the specific regional accent and dialect of English being spoken.

What is the pronunciation of the re?

The pronunciation of the prefix “re-” can vary depending on the word it is attached to. In general, it is commonly pronounced as /ɹiː/ or /ɹɪ/ in words like “replay” or “resist.” However, in some cases, such as in the word “revolution,” it can be pronounced as /ɹɛ/. It is important to note that the hyphen is not typically included in words formed with the prefix “re-,” except when its absence would make the meaning unclear. Overall, the pronunciation of “re-” can be flexible and may change depending on the specific word being used.

How do you pronounce retro in the US?

In the United States, the word “retro” is pronounced as “RET-roh.” The emphasis is typically placed on the first syllable, with a short “e” sound followed by a clear “t” sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a long “o” sound, similar to the pronunciation of the word “row.” When saying “retro” out loud, it is important to enunciate both syllables clearly to properly convey the word.

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