Read the passage about indecision, firm resolution, and progress. Then answer the question. In the context of the passage, what is the meaning of the word retrograde?

Introduction / Context:
The passage compares people who hesitate or keep changing their plans with those who resolve firmly and persevere. It says that instead of being progressive, such an indecisive person will at best be stationary and more probably retrograde in all things. The question asks for the meaning of retrograde in this context. To answer, we must relate the word to the idea of progress versus going backward in life or work.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage contrasts being progressive with being stationary or retrograde.
• Progressive in this context means moving forward, advancing, or improving.
• Stationary means not moving or making no progress.
• Retrograde is presented as worse than stationary.
• The passage emphasises that indecision and fluctuating opinion prevent great or useful achievements.

Concept / Approach:
Retrograde literally means moving backward. In a figurative sense, it refers to decline rather than improvement. Since the passage places retrograde in contrast with progressive, it clearly uses the word to mean going backward in terms of development, progress, or success. Therefore, the best option will be the one that directly captures this backward movement, not merely standing still or moving slowly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the contrast: instead of being progressive, he will be stationary or retrograde. Step 2: If progressive means moving forward, and stationary means not moving, retrograde as something worse than stationary must mean moving backward. Step 3: Evaluate option B. It defines retrograde as moving backwards instead of making progress. This fits both the literal meaning and the context in the passage. Step 4: Option A, to stop moving completely, matches stationary, not retrograde. Step 5: Option C, moving slowly, still suggests forward movement, which is not the intended meaning. Step 6: Option D, crawling without aim, is vague and does not express the idea of going backward. Step 7: Option E, moving in circles, suggests no net progress but not necessarily backward movement.

Verification / Alternative check:
In everyday usage, retrograde is often used to describe a policy or action as a step backwards. This matches the passage where the author is explaining that indecisive people not only fail to progress but may actually fall behind. Comparing this everyday sense with the options confirms that option B is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because it describes being stationary, but the passage clearly distinguishes stationary and retrograde. Option C is wrong because slow forward movement is still progress, whereas retrograde refers to decline. Option D is wrong because aimless crawling does not necessarily mean moving backward. Option E is wrong because moving in circles suggests no net progress but not a backward direction.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse retrograde with stationary because both are presented as negative. It is important to notice that the passage treats retrograde as even worse than stationary, which improves our understanding of the word. Associating the word with backward steps in progress helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
In the passage, retrograde means to move backwards instead of making progress.