How Do You Spell TOOK ABACK?

Pronunciation: [tˈʊk ɐbˈak] (IPA)

Took aback is an idiomatic expression meaning to be surprised or shocked. The spelling of this phrase can be confusing, as the pronunciation of the word "aback" does not match its spelling. In IPA phonetic transcription, "took aback" is pronounced /tʊk əˈbæk/. The "a" in "aback" is pronounced like the "u" in "up", and the stress is on the second syllable. So, when using this phrase in writing or conversation, it is important to remember the correct spelling and pronunciation.

TOOK ABACK Meaning and Definition

1. "Took aback" is an idiomatic expression that means to surprise or shock someone, often causing them to become momentarily speechless or confused. It is an informal phrase used to describe the feeling of being caught off guard or unexpectedly confronted with a new situation or information.

   When someone is "taken aback," they experience a sudden and strong emotional reaction to something that was unexpected or surprising. This response can manifest as astonishment, disbelief, or even a sense of being overwhelmed. The phrase implies a temporary state of being taken by surprise, where one might pause briefly to process the unexpected turn of events or a startling revelation.

   The expression "took aback" frequently appears in conversations or narratives when people encounter unforeseen circumstances or receive shocking news. It suggests a sense of being momentarily stunned or disoriented, as though caught in a figurative gust of wind that momentarily confuses or leaves one at a loss for words.

   Overall, "took aback" denotes a sudden emotional response, typically indicating that the person was unprepared for or did not anticipate the situation or information presented to them, momentarily disrupting their usual composure or state of mind.

Common Misspellings for TOOK ABACK

• rook aback
• fook aback
• gook aback
• yook aback
• 6ook aback
• 5ook aback
• tiok aback
• tkok aback
• tlok aback
• tpok aback
• t0ok aback
• t9ok aback
• toik aback
• tokk aback
• tolk aback
• topk aback
• to0k aback
• to9k aback
• tooj aback
• toom aback

Etymology of TOOK ABACK

The phrase "took aback" has its origins in Middle English. It comes from the combination of the verb "take", meaning to seize or grasp, and the adverb "aback", which means backward or by surprise. Originally, "took aback" was a nautical term used to describe a ship being hit by a powerful gust of wind or a wave from behind, causing it to move backward or off course. Over time, the term evolved to be used figuratively, expressing the sense of being surprised, astonished, or overwhelmed by something unexpected or shocking.