Backtrack Meaning in English

word

US

ˈbækˌtɹæk

BAK-trak

UK

bˈæktɹæk

BAKT-rak

Definition

To go back the way you came, or to change your previous opinion or decision.

Usage & Nuances

Often used when someone physically retraces their steps or when someone changes their statement or plan. Common in both formal and informal speech. Frequently appears as 'backtrack on a decision' or 'backtrack on one's words.'

• Spanish: retroceder - dar marcha atrás - cambiar de opinión
• Portuguese (BR): voltar atrás - recuar - retroceder
• Portuguese (PT): voltar atrás - recuar - retroceder
• Chinese (Simplified): 原路返回 - 改变主意
• Chinese (Traditional): 原路返回 - 改變主意
• Hindi: पिछले रास्ते पर लौटना - अपनी बात बदलना
• Arabic: يتراجع - يغير رأيه
• Bengali: ফেরত আসা - পূর্বের সিদ্ধান্ত পরিবর্তন করা
• Russian: возвращаться - отступать (от мнения)
• Japanese: 引き返す - 前言を撤回する
• Vietnamese: quay lại - rút lại (ý kiến/ý định)
• Korean: 되돌아가다 - 말을 바꾸다
• Turkish: geriye gitmek - kararından dönmek
• Urdu: واپس جانا - اپنی بات یا فیصلہ بدلنا
• Indonesian: mundur kembali - menarik kembali (pernyataan/keputusan)

Example Sentences

We had to backtrack to find the lost keys.

basic

She refused to backtrack on her promise.

basic

If we make a mistake, we can backtrack and try again.

basic

The politician had to backtrack after his controversial statement.

natural

I don’t want to backtrack, but I realize I was wrong.

natural

When the trail disappeared, we had to backtrack to find another route.

natural