back-pedal

back-ped·al

B b

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [bak ped-l or for 6–8, peed-l]
- /bæk ˈpɛd l or for 6–8, ˈpid l/
- /bæk ˈped.əl/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [bak ped-l or for 6–8, peed-l]
- /bæk ˈpɛd l or for 6–8, ˈpid l/

Definitions of back-pedal word

verb back-pedal If you back-pedal, you express a different or less forceful opinion about something from the one you have previously expressed. 3
verb back-pedal If you say that someone back-pedals, you disapprove of their behaviour because they are not doing what they promised. 3
verb back-pedal to turn the pedals of a bicycle backwards 3
verb back-pedal to retract or modify a previous opinion, principle, etc 3
verb back-pedal to take backward steps 3
verb without object back-pedal to retard the forward motion by pressing backward on the pedal, especially of a bicycle with coaster brakes. 1

See all 9 definitions of back-pedal

Information block about the term

Origin of back-pedal

First appearance:

before 1895

One of the 18% newest English words

First recorded in 1895-1900

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Back-pedal

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Back-pedal

back-pedal popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 32% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

According to our data about 70% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

Synonyms for back-pedal

verb back-pedal

reconsider — to consider again, especially with a view to change of decision or action: to reconsider a refusal.
renege — Cards. to play a card that is not of the suit led when one can follow suit; break a rule of play.
take back — to get into one's hold or possession by voluntary action: to take a cigarette out of a box; to take a pen and begin to write.
go back on — at, to, or toward the rear; backward: to step back.

All 5 Synonyms of back-pedal