How Do You Spell TAKE ABACK?

Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪk ɐbˈak] (IPA)

The phrase "take aback" is commonly used to describe when someone is surprised or caught off guard. It is spelled with a silent "e" at the end of "take" and with the "a" in "aback" pronounced as a short "a" sound, like "cat." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /teɪk əˈbak/. The spelling "aback" comes from the Middle English word "abac," which means "backwards." The phrase "take aback" first appeared in the early 19th century and is still widely used today.

TAKE ABACK Meaning and Definition

1. Take aback is a phrasal verb used to describe the feeling of being surprised, shocked, or astonished by something, often causing a temporary loss of composure. When someone is taken aback, they are caught off guard, not expecting or prepared for a certain event, statement, or action. This idiom can also imply a sense of disbelief or incredulity in response to an unexpected situation.

   The phrase "take aback" can also be used to convey a physical or emotional impact, as if one has been forcefully pushed or knocked backward by a sudden and unexpected force. This figurative expression originated from nautical terminology, where it referred to a vessel being moved backward due to the force of the wind.

   In social interactions, being taken aback can manifest as stammering, speechlessness, or a brief silence as one tries to process what has just occurred. It implies a disruption in the natural flow of a conversation or the installation of an unforeseen obstacle. This reaction can occur in a wide range of contexts, such as receiving surprising news, witnessing an unexpected behavior, or encountering an unforeseen obstacle.

   Overall, "take aback" represents the state of being startled or astonished by something unexpected, leading to a momentary disruption of one's thoughts or actions.

Common Misspellings for TAKE ABACK

• rake aback
• fake aback
• gake aback
• yake aback
• 6ake aback
• 5ake aback
• tzke aback
• tske aback
• twke aback
• tqke aback
• taje aback
• tame aback
• tale aback
• taoe aback
• taie aback
• takw aback
• taks aback
• takd aback
• takr aback

Etymology of TAKE ABACK

The phrase "take aback" has its origins in nautical terminology. In the early 17th century, "aback" was a nautical term that referred to the situation when the wind unexpectedly shifts and catches the sails on the wrong side of the ship. When this happened, it caused the vessel to stop suddenly or to be driven backward. This "taking aback" of the ship was considered a dangerous and unexpected occurrence, often leading to chaos and confusion among the crew.

Over time, the phrase "take aback" began to be used figuratively to describe situations in which people were caught off guard or surprised by unexpected events or information. Today, it is often used to express astonishment or being taken by surprise.

Idioms with the word TAKE ABACK

• take aback "Take aback" means to surprise or shock someone, often causing them to feel confused or unsettled.

Similar spelling word for TAKE ABACK

• take back.