backpedaling

back-ped·al

B b

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [bak-ped-l]
- /ˈbækˌpɛd l/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [bak-ped-l]
- /ˈbækˌpɛd l/

Definitions of backpedaling word

verb without object backpedaling to retard the forward motion by pressing backward on the pedal, especially of a bicycle with coaster brakes. 1
verb without object backpedaling to retreat from or reverse one's previous stand on any matter; shift ground: to back-pedal after severe criticism. 1
verb without object backpedaling Boxing. to retreat from an opponent, especially by stepping rapidly backward. 1
noun backpedaling (US) present participle of backpedal. 1

See all 4 definitions of backpedaling

Information block about the term

Origin of backpedaling

First appearance:

before 1895

One of the 18% newest English words

First recorded in 1895-1900

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Backpedaling

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Backpedaling

backpedaling 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 60% 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.

backpedaling usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for backpedaling

noun backpedaling

transposition — an act of transposing.
volte-face — a turnabout, especially a reversal of opinion or policy.
reversal — an act or instance of reversing.
disavowal — a disowning; repudiation; denial.
turnaround — the total time consumed in the round trip of a ship, aircraft, vehicle, etc.

All 11 Synonyms of backpedaling

Matching words

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