retro

Everyday

1. Copying or looking like the style of the past, especially the 1950s to 1990s. tree →
2. (informal) Old-fashioned in a fun or cool way. tree →
3. As a prefix «retro-» means «backwards», as in «retrograde» or «retrospective». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it describes clothes, games, music and furniture that look old on purpose, like retro video games or a retro diner. In design and art lessons it is a style word. Phrases: «retro style», «retro games», «go retro».

Examples

• Dad loves playing retro video games. tree →
• The café has a cool retro look. tree →
• She wore retro sunglasses from the 1970s. tree →
• Retro sweets are sold in old-fashioned jars. tree →
• Vinyl records are retro but popular again. tree →
• The new phone has a retro design. tree →

Note

Does not change form: «more retro» is possible in speech. Informal. Not the same as «antique» (really old, usually over 100 years). «Retro» things can be brand new but look old.