How Do You Spell TAKES ABACK?

Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪks ɐbˈak] (IPA)

The phrase "takes aback" is often used to describe a surprising or unexpected event. In terms of its spelling, there are a few things to note. The "a" in "aback" is pronounced as the "a" in "cat" (IPA symbol /æ/). The "b" is pronounced as normal, but the "c" is silent. The "k" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound. Finally, the "s" in "takes" is pronounced as a voiceless "s" sound (IPA symbol /s/). With this in mind, you can confidently spell and pronounce this commonly used phrase.

TAKES ABACK Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "takes aback" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of surprising or startling someone to the point of leaving them momentarily stunned or speechless. It is often used to describe a reaction to a sudden or unexpected event or statement.

   When someone is "taken aback," they experience a strong emotional response such as surprise, shock, or astonishment, which can cause them to pause or become temporarily confused. It signifies an interruption in their normal train of thought or behavior, leaving them momentarily at a loss for words or unsure how to respond.

   The phrase "takes aback" can also imply a feeling of being caught off guard or unprepared for a certain situation. It may involve a sudden change in circumstances or the revelation of unexpected information that challenges one's expectations or assumptions. This can lead to a state of confusion or vulnerability, as the individual tries to process and make sense of the situation in order to regain their composure.

   Overall, "takes aback" denotes the act of surprising someone to such an extent that they are momentarily overwhelmed, causing them to pause, react with astonishment, or be temporarily thrown off balance before regaining their composure. It is a phrase commonly used to describe situations where someone unexpectedly encounters or learns something that disrupts their usual state of mind or expectation.

Common Misspellings for TAKES ABACK

• takes ajack

Etymology of TAKES ABACK

The phrase "takes aback" is derived from nautical terminology. The word "aback" in this context refers to the backward movement of a sailing ship when the wind suddenly shifts its direction, causing the sails to fill with air from the opposite side. This sudden and unexpected change in wind direction can catch the ship off guard, slowing or halting its forward progress. The ship is said to be "taken aback" in such situations. Over time, this nautical expression expanded its meaning and began to be used figuratively to describe being surprised, startled, or caught off guard in any situation.