How to pronounce backslide
Say it like BAK-slyde. Backslide has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
- BAK
- slyde
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backslide 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.
- slydeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of backslide
American and British speakers say backslide in essentially the same way: /ˈbækˌslaɪd/ in the US and /ˈbækˌslaɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAK-slyde.
What does backslide mean?
- To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state.“He felt better for a little while, before his condition started to backslide.”
- To shirk responsibility; to renege on one's obligations or commitments.
- To revert back into a life of sin after being saved.
- A backward regression; a reverting back to a worse state.
- A dance move in which the feet are alternately slid back and the heels lifted, giving the illusion of walking forwards while actually moving backwards.
Where does backslide come from?
From back + slide.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying backslide
How do you pronounce backslide?
Say BAK-slyde. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌslaɪd/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌslaɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backslide?
Backslide has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · slyde.
Do Americans and Brits say backslide the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbækˌslaɪd/ and the British form is /ˈbækˌslaɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.