backtracks - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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backtracks

|back-track|

/ˈbæk.træk/

(backtrack)

retrace steps

Base Form	Plural	Plural	Present	3rd Person Sing.	Past	Past Participle	Present Participle	Noun	Adjective
backtrack	backtracks	backtrackers	backtracking	backtracks	backtracked	backtracked	backtracking	backtracker	backtracking

Etymology

Etymology Information

'backtrack' is a compound of English 'back' and 'track', formed in modern English from the two words 'back' and 'track' to mean 'go back along a track'.

Historical Evolution

'backtrack' developed as a compound (often written 'back-track' in older texts) from the combination of 'back' + 'track' and eventually became the single word 'backtrack' in contemporary English.

Meaning Changes

Initially used for the literal sense 'to go back along a trail or path,' the word expanded in usage to include the figurative sense 'to reverse a statement or position.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an instance of reversing a previous action or statement; a retreat or retracing of steps.

His frequent backtracks damaged his credibility with colleagues.

Synonyms

retraction reversal retreat recantation

Antonyms

confirmation assertion commitment

Verb 1

to withdraw or reverse a previous statement, decision, or position; to retreat or go back along the same route (literal or figurative).

When pressured by reporters, she backtracks on her earlier comments.

Synonyms