Backpedalled: meaning, definitions and examples
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backpedalled
[ ˈbækˌpɛdld ]
political context
To backpedal means to reverse one's position or opinion, often in response to criticism or changing circumstances. It suggests a retreat from a previously held stance, indicating a lack of commitment or confidence in the original viewpoint. This term is frequently used in politics, where politicians may change their positions to align with public sentiment or avoid backlash. Overall, backpedalling can reflect a strategic maneuver to safeguard one's reputation or to adapt to new information.
Synonyms
reconsider, retract, reverse, withdraw.
Examples of usage
- The politician backpedalled on their controversial statement.
- After receiving backlash, she backpedalled on her initial proposal.
- He backpedalled during the debate, trying to clarify his earlier comments.
Translations
Translations of the word "backpedalled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 retrocedeu
🇮🇳 पीछे हट गया
🇩🇪 zurückgegangen
🇮🇩 mundur
🇺🇦 відступив
🇵🇱 cofnął się
🇯🇵 後退した
🇫🇷 a reculé
🇪🇸 retrocedió
🇹🇷 geri adım attı
🇰🇷 후퇴했다
🇸🇦 تراجع
🇨🇿 ustoupil zpět
🇸🇰 ustúpil
🇨🇳 退却了
🇸🇮 umaknil
🇮🇸 sneri
🇰🇿 артқа шегінді
🇬🇪 უკან გაწვდილი
🇦🇿 geri çəkildi
🇲🇽 retrocedió
Etymology
The term 'backpedal' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the literal action of pedalling backward, which is often associated with bicycles. The first noted usage in a figurative sense appeared around the 1970s, when it began to be used in political and conversational contexts to describe someone who was retracting a previously stated opinion or belief. As political discourse became more contentious, the term gained popularity, reflecting a wider cultural tendency toward indecision and shifting opinions. Today, 'backpedal' is widely recognized in both casual and formal language, used to depict moments of ambiguity or the reluctance to adhere to one’s statements.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,244, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.