Aback Meaning in English
word
əˈbæk
uh-BAK
ɐbˈæk
uh-BAK
Definition
If you are taken aback, you are surprised or shocked by something unexpected.
Usage & Nuances
'Aback' is almost always used in the phrase 'taken aback' (by). It means to be surprised, often in a negative or confusing way; you rarely use 'aback' alone in modern English.
Spanish: sorprendido - desconcertadoPortuguese (BR): surpreso - pego de surpresaPortuguese (PT): surpreendido - apanhado de surpresaChinese (Simplified): 吃惊 (感到意外) - 惊讶Chinese (Traditional): 喫驚 (感到意外) - 驚訝Hindi: चकित - हैरानArabic: مندهش - مأخوذ على حين غرةBengali: আচমকা বিস্মিত - হকচকিয়ে যাওয়াRussian: ошарашен - поражёнJapanese: 驚く - 仰天するVietnamese: ngạc nhiên - sững sờKorean: 깜짝 놀라다 - 당황하다Turkish: şaşkına dönmek - afallamakUrdu: حیران ہونا - ششدر رہ جاناIndonesian: terkejut - tercengang
Example Sentences
I was taken aback by the loud noise.
basic
She was taken aback by his question.
basic
They were taken aback by the news.
basic
Honestly, I was really taken aback when she agreed so quickly.
natural
His rude comments left everyone taken aback.
natural
I’m not easily taken aback, but this situation really surprised me.
natural