régression
La régression des ventes a surpris les analystes.
The regression in sales surprised the analysts.
A return to a former or less developed state; decline in quality, standards, or performance.
On observe une régression des compétences en lecture chez les jeunes.
A regression in reading skills is observed among young people.
La régression des droits sociaux est un sujet de préoccupation.
The regression of social rights is a cause for concern.
Often used in social, economic, or psychological contexts to describe deterioration.
In statistics and mathematics: A measure of the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables.
La régression linéaire permet de modéliser la relation entre deux variables.
Linear regression models the relationship between two variables.
Commonly used in data analysis, economics, and scientific research.
In psychoanalysis: A return to an earlier stage of development or behavior, often as a defense mechanism.
Le thérapeute a identifié une régression chez le patient après un traumatisme.
The therapist identified regression in the patient after a trauma.
Used in clinical psychology to describe maladaptive coping strategies.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'regression' in English
In French, 'régression' is often negative (decline), while in English 'regression' can also refer to statistical methods without implying negativity.
Gold Rule
Use 'régression' for decline or deterioration
When describing a worsening of conditions, skills, or rights, 'régression' is the appropriate term. For example, 'la régression des libertés' (erosion of freedoms).
Word Origin
From Latin *regressio*, meaning 'a going back,' from *regressus*, past participle of *regredi* ('to go back'), from *re-* ('back') + *gradi* ('to walk').
Usage Notes
In everyday French, 'régression' often implies a negative change. In technical fields like statistics or psychology, it has specific meanings that may not carry the same negative connotation.