Retardent vs. Retardant: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 7, 2023
"Retardent" is an incorrect spelling, while "Retardant" is correct and refers to a substance that slows down or prevents a particular process.

Which is correct: Retardent or Retardant
How to spell Retardant?

Retardent is Incorrect

Retardant is Correct
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Key Differences
Think of "ant" slowing down, just as a "retardant" substance does.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
"Retard" is the root, and it ends in "ant" not "ent".

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Recollect "fire retardant" which is a common term and uses the "ant" ending.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Recall "retardation" which shares the same root and does not have the “ent” sound.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Associate it with "resistant"; both end in "ant" and have protective qualities.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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Retardent and Retardant Definitions
Retardant
A chemical used in treating forests to slow the spread of fire.
The aircraft dropped retardant over the wildfire.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 09, 2023
Retardant
A substance added to slow down or prevent a process, especially combustion.
The fabric has a built-in flame retardant.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 09, 2023
Retardant
A substance used to slow or stop a chemical reaction.
A fire retardant can prevent materials from igniting.

Harlon Moss
Sep 09, 2023
Retardant
An agent that delays or hinders a process.
The coating acted as a moisture retardant.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 09, 2023
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Retardant
Any compound which, when added to another substance, slows down an undesired effect.
UV retardants protect products from sun damage.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 09, 2023
Retardant
Acting or tending to retard. Often used in combination
Flame-retardant pajamas for children.
A fire-retardant security chest.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 08, 2023
Retardant
Something that serves to retard (slow down) the action of something

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 08, 2023
FAQs
Which vowel is used before Retardant?
Typically, no specific vowel precedes "retardant."

Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Why is it called Retardant?
It's called "Retardant" because it retards or slows down a specific process or reaction.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is Retardant a negative or positive word?
Neutral; it describes a function. Context will determine any positive or negative connotation.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Which preposition is used with Retardant?
"With" can be used, as in "coated with a retardant."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Retardant?
Conjunction usage is context-dependent. Both "and" and "or" can be used, among others.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
What is the pronunciation of Retardant?
"Retardant" is pronounced as /rɪˈtɑːrdənt/.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is Retardant a noun or adjective?
"Retardant" can function as both a noun and an adjective.

Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Which article is used with Retardant?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on the context.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
How do we divide Retardant into syllables?
"Retardant" can be divided as re-tar-dant.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
What is a stressed syllable in Retardant?
The second syllable, "tar," is stressed.

Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
What part of speech is Retardant?
"Retardant" can be both a noun and an adjective.

Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
What is the second form of Retardant?
For the related verb "retard," the past form is "retarded."

Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
What is the third form of Retardant?
For the related verb "retard," the past participle is "retarded."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Which determiner is used with Retardant?
Determiners like "this" or "that" can be used depending on context.

Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
How is Retardant used in a sentence?
"The material was treated with a fire retardant to enhance its safety."

Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Is Retardant a countable noun?
Yes, you can have one retardant or multiple retardants.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
What is the first form of Retardant?
"Retardant" doesn't have verb forms as it's primarily a noun/adjective. The related verb "retard" is its base form.

Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Is Retardant a vowel or consonant?
"Retardant" is a word composed of both vowels and consonants.

Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
