BACK DOWN Meaning and
Definition
-
Back down is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of changing or retracting one's position, typically during a confrontation, argument, or negotiation, due to pressure, threat, or the realization of being wrong or unreasonable. It involves surrendering, yielding, or conceding defeat in a conflict. The term can also imply retracting or renouncing a previously stated opinion, stance, or claim.
To back down could encompass several actions, such as withdrawing from a fight or aggressive stance, giving in to someone's demands, or agreeing to compromise in order to reach a resolution. It often involves a display of humility or surrendering one's pride. The act of backing down usually aims to diffuse tension, prevent further escalation, or resolve a disagreement amicably.
In certain situations, backing down may be perceived as a sign of weakness or lack of conviction, but it can also be seen as a testament to one's ability to adapt, compromise, or value peace over conflict. It is a term commonly used in contexts involving negotiations, disputes, conflicts, or any situation where two or more parties are involved in a disagreement and one party decides to abandon their original position.
Common Misspellings for BACK DOWN
- vack down
- nack down
- hack down
- gack down
- bzck down
- bsck down
- bwck down
- bqck down
- baxk down
- bavk down
- bafk down
- badk down
- bacj down
- bacm down
- bacl down
- baco down
- baci down
- back sown
- back xown
Etymology of BACK DOWN
The word "back down" is a phrasal verb that originated from the Middle English language.
The term "back" in this context comes from the Old English word "bæc", which means the posterior part of the body or the opposite of front. It also has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "bakam".
The word "down" refers to the downward direction or movement and comes from the Old English word "dūne", which means "from higher to lower position or level". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "duni" or "duon" as well.
When combined, "back" and "down" form the phrasal verb "back down", which means to withdraw or yield in a conflict or argument. The figurative connotation suggests retreating from a position or stance, similar to moving one's body backward and downward.
Idioms with the word BACK DOWN
-
come back down to earth
The idiom "come back down to earth" means to return to reality or to become more realistic, grounded, or practical after experiencing a period of excitement, idealism, or being disconnected from reality.
-
back down (something)
The definition for the idiom "back down (something)" is to retreat or withdraw from a stated position, decision, or challenge. It often implies giving in to someone else's demands or arguments.
-
bring sb back down to earth, at come back down to earth
The idiom "bring someone back down to earth" or "come back down to earth" means to help someone regain a realistic or practical perspective after they have been overly confident or fantasizing about something. It is often used when someone needs a reality check or to be reminded of the practicalities of a situation.
-
back down
To back down means to withdraw from a position or claim in the face of opposition or pressure and concede defeat.
Similar spelling words for BACK DOWN
- pack down,
- dune buggy,
- ten pack,
- down pike,
- big ten,
- pare down/back,
- backdown,
- peak-down frequency,
- peg down,
- town bike,
- bog down,
- big tuna,
- big tone,
- ring-back tone,
- dune book,
- book down,
- sleek back/down,
- cut back/down,
- tuna poke.
Conjugate verb Back down
CONDITIONAL
I
would back down
you
would back down
he/she/it
would back down
we
would back down
they
would back down
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be backing down
you
would be backing down
he/she/it
would be backing down
we
would be backing down
they
would be backing down
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have back down
you
would have back down
he/she/it
would have back down
we
would have back down
they
would have back down
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been backing down
you
would have been backing down
he/she/it
would have been backing down
we
would have been backing down
they
would have been backing down
FUTURE
I
will back down
you
will back down
he/she/it
will back down
we
will back down
they
will back down
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be backing down
you
will be backing down
he/she/it
will be backing down
we
will be backing down
they
will be backing down
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have backed down
you
will have backed down
he/she/it
will have backed down
we
will have backed down
they
will have backed down
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been backing down
you
will have been backing down
he/she/it
will have been backing down
we
will have been backing down
they
will have been backing down
IMPERATIVE
you
back down
we
let´s back down
to back down
PAST
I
backed down
you
backed down
he/she/it
backed down
we
backed down
they
backed down
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was backing down
you
were backing down
he/she/it
was backing down
we
were backing down
they
were backing down
PAST PARTICIPLE
backed down
PAST PERFECT
I
had backed down
you
had backed down
he/she/it
had backed down
we
had backed down
they
had backed down
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been backing down
you
had been backing down
he/she/it
had been backing down
we
had been backing down
they
had been backing down
PRESENT
I
back down
you
back down
he/she/it
backs down
we
back down
they
back down
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am backing down
you
are backing down
he/she/it
is backing down
we
are backing down
they
are backing down
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
backing down
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have backed down
you
have backed down
he/she/it
has backed down
we
have backed down
they
have backed down
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been backing down
you
have been backing down
he/she/it
has been backing down
we
have been backing down
they
have been backing down
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
