The word ``retrograde" means moving backward or going in the opposite direction, often in the context of progress. Therefore, in the sentence ``The attack on the freedom of the press is a retrograde step," it suggests that the attack is regressive or detrimental to progress.
- Option A: ``Progressive" is the opposite of ``retrograde," meaning forward-moving or advancing. If we are talking about a positive step forward, ``progressive" would fit as the opposite of retrograde.
- Option B: ``Stubborn" refers to being inflexible or determined, which is not related to the meaning of ``retrograde."
- Option C: ``Punitive" means related to punishment, which is unrelated to the concept of a retrograde step in this context.
- Option D: ``Aggressive" refers to being hostile or forceful, which is also not the opposite of ``retrograde."
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
If the roots of the quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \) are real and equal, then: