Retardent vs. Retardant — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 24, 2024
"Retardent" is incorrect; the proper spelling is "Retardant," referring to a substance that slows down a process, like fire spreading.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Retardent or Retardant
How to spell Retardant?
Retardent
Incorrect Spelling
Retardant
Correct Spelling
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Remember: Retard + Ant, linking to how ants methodically slow down and examine obstacles.
The word ‘Retard’ meaning to slow or reduce speed, plus “ant” gives "Retardant."
“Retardant” - think of “guardANT” as it guards against quick spreading of fire.
"Retardant" has an “a,” and it Aids in slowing down processes like fire.
Ants are diligent and prevent things quickly, much like a fire "Retardant."
ADVERTISEMENT
How Do You Spell Retardant Correctly?
Incorrect: The material was treated with a fire retardent.
Correct: The material was treated with a fire retardant.
Incorrect: This spray acts as a flame retardent on fabrics.
Correct: This spray acts as a flame retardant on fabrics.
Incorrect: They used a chemical retardent in the paint.
Correct: They used a chemical retardant in the paint.
Incorrect: Adding a UV retardent can protect the material from sun damage.
Correct: Adding a UV retardant can protect the material from sun damage.
Incorrect: The retardent properties of the material make it safer.
Correct: The retardant properties of the material make it safer.
Retardant Definitions
Retardant materials or substances decelerate or inhibit certain actions or reactions.
A retardant was used to prevent the paint from drying too quickly.
Serving to restrict or lessen the speed of processes.
Retardant additives can prolong the shelf life of a product.
Specifically formulated to delay processes or reactions.
Retardant chemicals are often utilized in safety gear and mechanisms.
A substance that delays or slows down a process, such as fire.
The firefighter sprayed fire retardant on the burning structure.
Utilized for inhibiting, slowing, or halting a process.
The fabric was treated with a flame retardant.
Acting or tending to retard. Often used in combination
Flame-retardant pajamas for children.
A fire-retardant security chest.
A substance that retards a process, as a flame retardant.
Serving to impede (slow down) the action of something
Something that serves to retard (slow down) the action of something
Any agent that retards or delays or hinders;
Flame-retardant
Retardant Meaning in a Sentence
The new fabric is enhanced with a water-retardant coating.
A retardant is often added to plastics to improve fire resistance.
Fire retardant clothing is essential for firefighters.
Using a heat retardant in kitchen materials can prevent accidents.
The building's insulation has been treated with a flame retardant.
The forest service uses fire retardant to combat wildfires.
The paint contains a mildew retardant to protect exterior walls.
Automotive engineers use heat retardant materials in engine compartments.
Retardant chemicals are crucial in the manufacturing of safe children's toys.
Outdoor furniture is often coated with a UV retardant for durability.
Electronic devices use flame retardant components to reduce fire risks.
A retardant gel can be applied to landscaping to prevent wildfires.
Applying a retardant to wood can help preserve it longer.
Spraying a retardant on curtains can reduce the risk of house fires.
The camping tent is made with a fire retardant material for safety.
The laboratory coat is designed with a chemical retardant for protection.
Retardant barriers are installed in buildings to prevent fire spread.
Roofing materials are often treated with a fire retardant for safety.
Carpets treated with a stain retardant are easier to clean and maintain.
Aircraft materials are specially treated with fire retardant for safety.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Retardant?
Retard.
Why is it called Retardant?
Called "Retardant" due to its ability to "retard" or slow down specific processes, like burning.
What is the root word of Retardant?
Retard.
What is the pronunciation of Retardant?
[rih-tahr-dnt]
What is the singular form of Retardant?
Retardant.
What is the plural form of Retardant?
Retardants.
Which vowel is used before Retardant?
The vowel used would depend on the context, but commonly “a” as in “a retardant.”
Which preposition is used with Retardant?
No specific preposition is universally used, but often “with” as in "coated with retardant."
Is Retardant an abstract noun?
No.
Is Retardant a countable noun?
In noun form, yes.
Is the Retardant term a metaphor?
No.
What part of speech is Retardant?
Noun or adjective.
Which conjunction is used with Retardant?
Context-driven, no specific conjunction.
Which article is used with Retardant?
"A" or "the" can be used depending on the sentence.
Is Retardant a noun or adjective?
It can be used as both a noun and an adjective.
Is Retardant a vowel or consonant?
It is a word, not a letter.
Is Retardant a collective noun?
No.
Is the word Retardant imperative?
No.
What is a stressed syllable in Retardant?
The second syllable: tard.
Which determiner is used with Retardant?
Determiners like "this," "that," "a," or "the" might be used.
Is the word Retardant a Gerund?
No.
How many syllables are in Retardant?
Three.
Is Retardant a negative or positive word?
Neutral; it's technical and descriptive.
Is the word “Retardant” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be either, depending on sentence structure.
How do we divide Retardant into syllables?
Re-tard-ant.
Is Retardant an adverb?
No.
What is another term for Retardant?
Inhibitor.
What is the opposite of Retardant?
Accelerant.
How is Retardant used in a sentence?
"The team used a retardant to prevent the wildfire from spreading to the residential area."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Skiddish vs. Skittish
Next Comparison
Load vs. LadeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
