How to pronounce backpedal
Say it like BAK-ped-ul. Backpedal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce backpedal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAK
- ped
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backpedal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- pedGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of backpedal
American and British speakers say backpedal in essentially the same way: /ˈbækˌpɛdəl/ in the US and /ˈbækˌpɛdəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAK-ped-ul.
What does backpedal mean?
- To pedal backwards on a bicycle.
- To step backwards.“The player had to backpedal before catching the ball.”
- To distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement; back off from an idea.“Though initially adopting a hard-line stance, the politician soon started to backpedal.”
- An act of backpedalling (in any sense).
Where does backpedal come from?
From back + pedal.
Questions about saying backpedal
How do you pronounce backpedal?
Say BAK-ped-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌpɛdəl/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌpɛdəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backpedal?
Backpedal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · ped · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say backpedal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbækˌpɛdəl/ and the British form is /ˈbækˌpɛdəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.