aback
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for aback, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Used in the phrase "taken aback": caught by surprise, startled, or momentarily thrown off guard.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use aback
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English onbæc, literally "on back" — the sense of being pushed backward by surprise.
Full origin of aback →Frequently asked questions
What does “aback” mean?
The word “aback” means used in the phrase "taken aback": caught by surprise, startled, or momentarily thrown off guard. In plain terms, almost always seen today in the fixed phrase "taken aback", meaning surprised or startled.
How do you pronounce “aback”?
“Aback” is pronounced uh-BAK (/əˈbæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “aback” in a sentence?
Here is “aback” used in a sentence: “She was taken aback by how blunt his comment was.”
What is another word for “aback”?
Words with a similar meaning to “aback” include unawares.
What part of speech is “aback”?
“Aback” is an adverb.
Where does the word “aback” come from?
The word “aback” comes from Old English. From Old English onbæc, literally "on back" — the sense of being pushed backward by surprise.