How Do You Spell BE TAKEN ABACK?

Pronunciation: [biː tˈe͡ɪkən ɐbˈak] (IPA)

The phrase "be taken aback" means to be surprised or shocked by something unexpected. The pronunciation of this phrase can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription as /bi ˈteɪkən əˈbæk/. The "be" is pronounced as "bi", the "taken" is pronounced with a short "a" sound like "tak-in", and the "aback" is pronounced as "uh-bak". The stress is placed on the second syllable of "aback". When spelling this phrase, it is important to remember that "aback" is spelled as one word, not "a back".

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
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BE TAKEN ABACK Meaning and Definition

  1. To be taken aback means to experience a sudden feeling of surprise, shock, or astonishment due to an unexpected event, statement, or action. The phrase indicates a state of being caught off guard or momentarily speechless. When someone is taken aback, they are often left bewildered or temporarily unable to react.

    This idiom suggests that the unexpectedness of a situation or occurrence has caused a person to feel emotionally or mentally thrown off balance. It is commonly used to describe a sudden change that takes a person by surprise, leaving them momentarily unable to process or respond effectively.

    The expression "taken aback" originates from nautical terminology, where the phrase described the sudden shifting of a ship's sails caused by a sudden change in wind direction. This sudden shift in direction, catching sailors off guard, became a metaphor that has extended to various situations.

    The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as when someone receives unexpected news, witnesses an unexpected action or behavior, or encounters an unforeseen obstacle or setback. It conveys the idea of being momentarily disoriented or left in a state of disbelief before regaining composure to react appropriately. Being taken aback can range from a momentary pause to a significant emotional and psychological impact, depending on the level of surprise or shock involved.

Common Misspellings for BE TAKEN ABACK

  • be taken abakk
  • be taken abagk
  • be taken abaak
  • be taken ababk
  • be taken abacc
  • betakenaback
  • beetakenaback
  • b e taken aback
  • be t aken aback
  • be ta ken aback
  • be tak en aback
  • be take n aback
  • be taken a back
  • be taken ab ack
  • be taken aba ck
  • be taken abac k

Idioms with the word BE TAKEN ABACK

  • be taken aback (by somebody/something) The idiom "be taken aback (by somebody/something)" typically means to be surprised, shocked, or astonished by someone or something. It refers to being caught off guard or thrown off balance due to unexpected circumstances or behavior.