taken aback

Meanings

• adjective

  Surprised or shocked, often in a negative sense.

  - "She was taken aback by the sudden announcement."
  - "The unexpected question took him completely taken aback."

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with taken aback
ack , back , sack , tack

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Variants

List of all variants of taken aback that leads to same result
take aback , taken aback , takes aback , taking aback , took aback , take a back seat , take a backseat , taken a back seat , taken a backseat , takes a back seat , takes a backseat , taking a back seat , taking a backseat , took a back seat , took a backseat

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

The phrase 'taken aback' is believed to have originated in the late 18th or early 19th century. It is derived from the phrase 'take aback,' which means to check or halt one's progress. In the context of being taken aback, it refers to being surprised or shocked to the point of being momentarily unable to respond.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The phrase 'taken aback' can also be used in a positive sense to describe being pleasantly surprised.

2. The word 'aback' can also mean 'behind' or 'in the rear,' as in the expression 'all aback,' which means 'in confusion or disarray.'

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. surprise: A feeling of shock or astonishment caused by something unexpected.

2. shock: A strong emotional or physical reaction to a sudden or unexpected event.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

The phrase 'taken aback' has been used extensively in literature and popular culture to describe moments of surprise or shock. For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel 'The Great Gatsby,' the character Nick Carraway is taken aback by the extravagance of Gatsby's parties. In music, the title of the song 'Taken Aback' by the band Coheed and Cambria reflects the feeling of being surprised or shocked.

How to Memorize "taken aback"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine yourself being surprised or shocked by something unexpected. Visualize your facial expression and body language.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'taken aback' with the feeling of being surprised or shocked. Imagine a lightbulb going off in your head or a sudden jolt of electricity.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic phrase such as 'Taken Aback: Totally Astounded, Baffled And Completely Kicked Out'.

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