odwrót
/ˈɔd.vrut/masculine
The English phrase "retreat" is translated into Polish as odwrót.
The word odwrót refers to the act of pulling back or withdrawing.
Meaning: act of pulling back or withdrawing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term odwrót is derived from the verb odwracać, which means "to turn" or "to turn back".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun odwrót changes to odwrotu in the genitive case, which is used to indicate possession or following certain prepositions.
How do you pronounce it?
odwrót is pronounced /ˈɔd.vrut/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- While odwrót means 'retreat', the root verb odwracać is used in daily life to describe turning a page in a book or flipping a pancake.
- The word odwrót shares a common ancestor with the English word 'turn' via the Proto-Indo-European root *wert-.
- In a Polish military context, odwrót is not just a movement but a formal command. When the order is given, it signals a coordinated tactical maneuver rather than a panicked flight.
Examples in context
- Nagle ogłoszono odwrót wojsk.Suddenly, the retreat of the troops was announced.
- Ich odwrót był bardzo szybki.Their retreat was very fast.
- Planowany odwrót ułatwił sytuację.The planned retreat made the situation easier.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a historical battle.
- AnnaKiedy armia zaczęła odwrót?When did the army begin the retreat?
- PiotrTo stało się w nocy.It happened at night.
- AnnaCzy odwrót był udany?Was the retreat successful?
- PiotrTak, Piotr uważa, że tak.Yes, Piotr thinks so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “retreat” translations and entries odwrót, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries odwrót, CC BY-SA 4.0.
