It's important to note that the term "retarded" is considered offensive and stigmatizing when used to describe people with intellectual disabilities. We should use more respectful language such as "intellectually disabled" or "people with cognitive impairments."
However, if we were to look at less offensive synonyms for the original non - people - focused meaning of "retarded" (in the sense of slowed or held back), we could consider the following:
- Delayed
- Explanation: "Delayed" means something is held up or postponed. It doesn't carry the negative connotation associated with "retarded" when referring to people. For example, we can say "The project's progress was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances." Here, it implies that the normal pace of the project has been slowed down, similar to the idea of something being retarded in a non - offensive context.
- Slowed
- Explanation: "Slowed" is a more neutral term. It simply indicates that the speed or progress of something has decreased. For instance, "The growth of the plants was slowed by the lack of sunlight." This shows that the normal rate of growth has been reduced, just like the meaning of something being retarded in a non - pejorative context related to processes or physical things.
- Hindered
- Explanation: "Hindered" means to create difficulties or obstacles that impede progress. It implies that there is something that is preventing or making it more difficult for a process to move forward at its normal speed. For example, "The heavy traffic hindered our journey, causing us to arrive late." In this case, the traffic is acting as a barrier that slows down or retards the journey.