0%

backpedalling

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 backpedalling word

  • verb without object backpedalling to retard the forward motion by pressing backward on the pedal, especially of a bicycle with coaster brakes. 1
  • verb without object backpedalling to retreat from or reverse one's previous stand on any matter; shift ground: to back-pedal after severe criticism. 1
  • verb without object backpedalling Boxing. to retreat from an opponent, especially by stepping rapidly backward. 1
  • noun backpedalling (AU, NZ, British) present participle of backpedal. 1
  • verb backpedalling (Australia, New Zealand, Britain) present participle of backpedal. 0
See all 5 definitions of backpedalling

Information block about the term

Origin of backpedalling

First appearance:

before 1895
One of the 18% newest English words
First recorded in 1895-1900

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Backpedalling

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
Full grammatical hierarchy of Backpedalling

backpedalling 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 most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

backpedalling usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for backpedalling

noun backpedalling

  • 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 backpedalling

See also

Matching words

Was this page helpful?
Yes No
Thank you for your feedback! Tell your friends about this page
Tell us why?