Reculé (en. Set back)

/ʁə.kyle/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
That has been placed further away.
The piece of furniture was pushed back in the corner of the room.
Le meuble était reculé dans le coin de la pièce.
That has decreased or regressed.
He observed a decline in his sales figures.
Il a observé un reculé de ses chiffres de vente.
Referring to something that has lost importance or impact.
His popularity has receded after the scandal.
Sa popularité a été reculé après le scandale.

Etymology

Comes from the verb 'reculer', formed from the prefix 're-' and 'cul', meaning to move backward.

Common Phrases and Expressions

take a step back
To gain perspective on a situation.
faire un pas en arrière
to be in a retracted position
To be at a great distance from something.
être dans le reculé
to back away from an obstacle
To face a difficulty and choose not to move forward.
reculer devant un obstacle

Related Words

retreat
Move backward.
reculer
recede
A movement backward.
recule
receded
State of something that has been pushed back.
reculé

Slang Meanings

To retreat into oneself.
He is retreating; he doesn’t want to talk to anyone anymore.
Il recule, il ne veut plus parler à personne.
To express a certain weakness or cowardice.
He backed down from the challenge.
Il a reculé devant le défi.