How to pronounce aback
Say it like uh-BAK. Aback has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAK).
- uh
- BAK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Aback pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of aback
American and British speakers say aback in essentially the same way: /əˈbæk/ in the US and /əˈbæk/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BAK.
What does aback mean?
- By surprise; startled; dumbfounded. (see usage)
- Backward against the mast; said of the sails when pressed by the wind from the "wrong" (forward) side, or of a ship when its sails are set that way.
Where does aback come from?
From Middle English abak, from Old English onbæc, equivalent to a- (“towards”) + back.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with aback
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of aback.
Questions about saying aback
How do you pronounce aback?
Say uh-BAK. The American pronunciation is /əˈbæk/. In British English it is /əˈbæk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in aback?
Aback has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAK). Broken into parts: uh · BAK.
Do Americans and Brits say aback the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbæk/ and the British form is /əˈbæk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.