How to pronounce backpedaling
Say it like BAK-ped-uh-ling. Backpedaling has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
- BAK
- ped
- uh
- ling
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backpedaling 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of backpedaling
American and British speakers say backpedaling in essentially the same way: /ˈbækˌpɛdəlɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈbækˌpɛdəlɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAK-ped-uh-ling.
What does backpedaling mean?
- present participle and gerund of backpedal How to pronounce backpedal
- The act of distancing oneself from a previously supported idea, action, behaviour, etc.; a U-turn or flip-flop.
Questions about saying backpedaling
How do you pronounce backpedaling?
Say BAK-ped-uh-ling. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌpɛdəlɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌpɛdəlɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backpedaling?
Backpedaling has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · ped · uh · ling.
Do Americans and Brits say backpedaling the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbækˌpɛdəlɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈbækˌpɛdəlɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.