How Do You Spell TAKEN ABACK?

Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪkən ɐbˈak] (IPA)

Taken aback is an idiomatic expression that means to be surprised or shocked. The pronunciation for this phrase is /ˈteɪkən əˈbæk/. The first word "taken" is pronounced with a long "a" sound and the second word "aback" is pronounced with an "uh" sound in the first syllable and a short "a" sound in the second. The spelling of the word "aback" is derived from an old English term "bac", meaning backward or behind. When someone is taken aback, they are figuratively pushed backwards by surprise or astonishment.

TAKEN ABACK Meaning and Definition

1. Taken aback is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of being surprised, shocked, or startled. When someone is taken aback, they experience a sudden feeling of astonishment or bewilderment that momentarily stops them in their tracks. The phrase originates from naval terminology, where the "back" refers to the rear part of a ship. In ship navigation, being caught off guard by a sudden strong wind was known as a ship being taken aback. This concept was metaphorically extended to describe the feeling one experiences when caught off guard emotionally or mentally.

   To be taken aback implies that one's expectations, assumptions, or emotional state have been disrupted or challenged unexpectedly. It often occurs in response to something unexpected, such as news, behavior, or an event that deviates from what was anticipated. This feeling can manifest as a physical reaction, such as a gasp, a widened gaze, or a step backward, but it primarily refers to the state of inner surprise and temporary confusion.

   Being taken aback is a transient state that can occur in a variety of situations, ranging from encountering unexpected criticism or praise, witnessing an unforeseen turn of events, or learning shocking news. The phrase emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the reaction and conveys a sense of being momentarily disoriented or speechless due to the surprise.

Common Misspellings for TAKEN ABACK

• takenaback

Etymology of TAKEN ABACK

The phrase taken aback originated in the mid-16th century and has nautical roots. In sailing, when a ship was hit by a strong gust of wind from the opposite direction, causing the sails to be thrown backward against the masts, it was said to be taken aback. This occurrence was unexpected and left the ship temporarily without control of its movement. Over time, the phrase took on a figurative meaning, referring to the feeling of being surprised, startled, or caught off guard. The term aback itself came from the Middle English word abak, which meant backward or backwards.

Idioms with the word TAKEN ABACK

• be taken aback (by somebody/something) The idiom "be taken aback (by somebody/something)" means to be greatly surprised, shocked, or startled by someone or something. It implies a sudden and unexpected reaction to a particular situation or event that catches someone off guard.
• taken aback "Taken aback" means to be shocked, surprised, or caught off guard by something unexpected.