Backpaddle vs. Backpedal — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Sumaia Saeed — Updated on April 18, 2024
"Backpaddle" is the incorrect spelling of "backpedal," which means to reverse one's opinion or action.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Backpaddle or Backpedal
How to spell Backpedal?
Backpaddle
Incorrect Spelling
Backpedal
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
The correct spelling uses "pedal," similar to a bicycle pedal, hinting at the metaphor of reversing direction.
Remember, there is no 'd' in the middle of the correct spelling, just like in "pedal."
Avoid "backpaddle," which might suggest paddling a boat, not the intended meaning of retreating or reversing an action.
Recall that "pedal" refers to foot-operated levers, and "backpedal" implies moving backwards like reversing a pedal action.
Think of "backpedal" as stepping back on your words, which involves your feet, hence "pedal."
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How Do You Spell Backpedal Correctly?
Incorrect: The politician had to backpaddle on his promise due to budget constraints.
Correct: The politician had to backpedal on his promise due to budget constraints.
Incorrect: It was embarrassing to watch him backpaddle during the debate.
Correct: It was embarrassing to watch him backpedal during the debate.
Incorrect: During the meeting, she started to backpaddle when she realized her idea was unpopular.
Correct: During the meeting, she started to backpedal when she realized her idea was unpopular.
Incorrect: He had to backpaddle on his statement after the public outcry.
Correct: He had to backpedal on his statement after the public outcry.
Backpedal Definitions
To physically pedal backwards, typically on a bicycle: In cycling, backpedal refers to pedaling in the reverse direction to slow down or adjust position.
To execute the trick, he had to backpedal slightly.
To retract or withdraw an offer or statement: Backpedal means withdrawing or distancing oneself from a previous commitment.
The company had to backpedal on the announced expansion plans.
A metaphorical step back in any progression: Backpedal can describe any withdrawal or retreat in a discussion or project.
The team had to backpedal on the project’s scope due to funding cuts.
To reduce the intensity or change the tone of one's statements: Backpedal involves softening or modifying one's earlier assertions or claims.
She backpedaled on her statements as the interview progressed.
To move the pedals of a bicycle or similar vehicle backward, especially to apply a brake.
To move backward by taking short quick steps, as in boxing or football.
To retreat or withdraw from a position or attitude
The senator later backpedaled on the issue.
(intransitive) To pedal backwards on a bicycle.
(intransitive) 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.
Pedal backwards, as on a bicycle.
Step backwards, in boxing.
Modify one' opinion, usually by making it less strong or adding qualifications.
Pedal backwards on a bicycle
Step backwards, in boxing
Modify one' opinion, make it less strong
To reverse or retreat from one's position: Backpedal means to step back from a previously held stance or opinion.
He had to backpedal on his harsh criticism after feedback.
Backpedal Meaning in a Sentence
Sometimes, you need to backpedal to find a better solution.
To avoid a clash, she chose to backpedal rather than escalate the argument.
They decided to backpedal on the new policy after community feedback.
The director had to backpedal after the strategy proved ineffective.
It's tough to backpedal without losing face, but it can be necessary.
The manager had to backpedal on his earlier decision about overtime.
When challenged, he had to backpedal and adjust his argument.
She found it difficult to backpedal after making such definitive claims.
He was too proud to backpedal on his earlier statements.
It's common to see politicians backpedal during campaign seasons.
He often has to backpedal on his promises, which frustrates everyone.
During the negotiation, it was clear they were prepared to backpedal.
They had to backpedal on their expansion plans after the market downturn.
Backpedal Idioms & Phrases
Backpedal on a promise
To retract a commitment or promise previously made.
The government had to backpedal on its promise to reduce taxes.
Backpedal fast
To quickly retract or reverse one's position.
He had to backpedal fast after the error was pointed out.
Backpedal after criticism
To withdraw or alter one's position following criticism.
The playwright had to backpedal after criticism from the audience.
Backpedal in the face of opposition
To withdraw or soften a stance when faced with opposition.
She began to backpedal in the face of intense community opposition.
Backpedal away from
To move away from a previously held position or statement.
The senator began to backpedal away from the controversial comments.
Backpedal under pressure
To retreat from a position due to external pressure.
Under investor pressure, the CEO backpedaled on the merger plans.
Start to backpedal
To begin retracting from a previously firm position.
As opposition grew, the leader started to backpedal on the reform.
Politically backpedal
To retract or reverse a political stance.
Politically, it's risky to backpedal after making definitive campaign statements.
Common Curiosities
What is a stressed syllable in backpedal?
The stressed syllable in "backpedal" is "back."
How is backpedal used in a sentence?
"Backpedal" is used to describe someone retreating from a stance, opinion, or plan.
What is the pronunciation of backpedal?
Backpedal is pronounced as /ˈbækˌpɛdəl/.
How do we divide backpedal into syllables?
Backpedal is divided as: back-pe-dal.
What is the root word of backpedal?
The root words of "backpedal" are "back," meaning behind or reverse, and "pedal," referring to the foot-operated part of a bicycle.
Why is it called backpedal?
It's called "backpedal" because it originally referred to physically pedaling backwards on a bicycle, metaphorically used for reversing actions or decisions.
What is the first form of backpedal?
The first form is "backpedal."
What is the second form of backpedal?
The second form is "backpedaled."
How many syllables are in backpedal?
There are three syllables in "backpedal."
What is another term for backpedal?
Another term for "backpedal" is "retract."
What is the singular form of backpedal?
The singular form is "backpedal."
Is backpedal an adverb?
No, "backpedal" is not an adverb.
Is backpedal a noun or adjective?
"Backpedal" is primarily a verb, but can be used as a noun.
Is backpedal a negative or positive word?
"Backpedal" is generally considered a negative word as it implies retreating or reversing due to error or reconsideration.
Is backpedal a vowel or consonant?
The word "backpedal" starts with a consonant.
Is backpedal a collective noun?
No, "backpedal" is not a collective noun.
Is the word backpedal Gerund?
"Backpedaling" is the gerund form of "backpedal."
What is the verb form of backpedal?
The verb form is "backpedal."
What is the plural form of backpedal?
"Backpedal" does not have a plural form as it is a verb.
Is backpedal an abstract noun?
No, "backpedal" is a verb and sometimes a noun, referring to a physical or metaphorical action.
Is the word backpedal imperative?
"Backpedal" can be used in the imperative form as a command.
What is the third form of backpedal?
The third form is "backpedaled."
What part of speech is backpedal?
"Backpedal" is a verb.
Which determiner is used with backpedal?
Determiners such as "the" can be used with "backpedal" when it functions as a noun.
Which conjunction is used with backpedal?
Conjunctions like "and" can be used in contexts like "backpedal and apologize."
Is backpedal a countable noun?
When used as a noun, "backpedal" is usually uncountable.
Is the backpedal term a metaphor?
"Backpedal" is often used metaphorically, especially in discussions about reversing decisions or statements.
What is the opposite of backpedal?
The opposite of "backpedal" could be "advance" or "proceed."
Is the word “backpedal” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Backpedal" can be a direct object in sentences like "He didn't expect to backpedal today."
Which vowel is used before backpedal?
Vowels like 'a' in "a backpedal" can be used before "backpedal."
Which preposition is used with backpedal?
Prepositions like "on" in "backpedal on a decision" are commonly used with "backpedal."
Which article is used with backpedal?
The article "the" is often used with "backpedal," especially when it functions as a noun.
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Written by
Sumaia Saeed
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
