Pronunciation: [hˈɛld bˈak] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "held back" is straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "held," is pronounced as /hɛld/, with a short "e" sound as in "red." The second syllable, "back," is pronounced as /bæk/, with the "a" sound as in "cat." Together, the phrase is pronounced as /hɛld bæk/. "Held back" refers to the act of preventing someone or something from progressing or advancing.
"Held back" is a phrasal verb commonly used in the English language, with a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. However, the general definition of "held back" refers to the act of restraining or preventing someone or something from progressing, advancing, or moving forward.
When applied to individuals, "held back" can signify the state of being hindered or delayed in terms of personal growth, development, or achievement. It could imply that an individual is unable to reach their full potential due to various factors, such as fear, lack of confidence, or external obstacles. In an educational setting, it may point to the decision to retain a student in the same grade level for another year due to academic or behavioral reasons.
The phrase can also describe the act of holding oneself back, which often indicates self-restraint or self-control. Individuals may "hold back" their emotions, words, or reactions, choosing not to express themselves freely or yield to impulsive actions.
Furthermore, "held back" can refer to physical or literal restraint. For example, it could mean preventing someone from moving forward physically, as in holding a person back from crossing a street or entering a restricted area.
In summary, "held back" involves obstructing progress, whether that be personal growth, emotional expression, academic advancement, or physical movement.
The word "held back" is a phrase rather than a single word, consisting of two parts: "held" and "back".
- "Held" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "hold". It comes from the Old English word "healdan" which means "to grasp, to keep, to possess". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "haldan", meaning "to hold, to retain".
- "Back" is a Middle English word that derived from the Old English word "bæc" which means "the rear part of the body". It can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word "bakam" meaning "back, spine".
When combined to form "held back", the phrase generally refers to something or someone being restrained, obstructed, or impeded from progressing forward or undergoing advancement.
