Aback: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ฒ
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aback

 

[ ษ™หˆbรฆk ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

taken by surprise

The term 'aback' is used to describe a state of being surprised or startled. When someone is taken aback, they are often caught off-guard by unexpected news or actions. This expression can convey a sense of shock or disbelief. It is commonly used to illustrate a reaction to an unforeseen event or statement.

Synonyms

astonished, stunned, surprised

Examples of usage

  • She was taken aback by the sudden announcement.
  • He was caught aback when she revealed the secret.
  • They were aback by the intensity of the storm.

Translations

Translations of the word "aback" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น para trรกs

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ€เค›เฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช รผberrascht

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kebalik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะฐะทะฐะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ do tyล‚u

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅพŒใ‚ใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท en arriรจre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hacia atrรกs

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท geriye

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋’ค๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅู„ู‰ ุงู„ูˆุฑุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zpฤ›t

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dozadu

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‘ๅŽ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nazaj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ aftur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั€ั‚า›ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒ™แƒแƒœ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ geri

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hacia atrรกs

Etymology

The word 'aback' originates from Middle English, appearing as 'abacke' in the 14th century. It is formed from the prefix 'a-' meaning 'on' or 'in the state of' combined with 'back,' which refers to a position behind or at the rear. Originally, it described a physical position or direction, particularly in nautical terms relating to sails that are positioned backward against the wind. Over time, its usage evolved into a figurative sense, primarily indicating a state of surprise or shock, as seen in contemporary language. The shift from a literal to a figurative meaning reflects the dynamic nature of the English language, where terms frequently transition based on social and communicative needs.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,012, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.