backtrack

/ˈbæktræk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbæktræk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbak-ˌtrak/ (ame, mw)

backtrack — verb

  • backtrackpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • backtrackshe / she / it
  • backtrackedpast simple
  • backtracking-ing form

1. to turn around and go back the way you came, following the same path or route yo

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to turn around and go back the way you came, following the same path or route you had just taken

例句

Nia backtracked through the forest to find her lost phone.

backtracked through

The hikers backtracked half a mile when the path became too steep.

backtracked half a mile

同義詞
  • retrace

    similar but emphasises following the exact steps or route in precise detail

  • turn back

    simpler; just means reverse direction, not necessarily follow the same path

  • double back

    suggests a sudden or tactical reversal, often to evade or mislead

反義詞
  • press on

    continue forward without turning back

  • proceed

    keep going in the same direction

文法句型

backtrack + through/along/to/up + location

用法筆記

The set phrase 'backtrack one's steps' is an exception to the usual intransitive pattern; it is the only common transitive use.

常見錯誤

❌We backtracked the wrong path.
✅We backtracked along the wrong path.
💡'backtrack' is intransitive; use a preposition like 'along' or 'through' before the route.

2. to take back or weaken a statement you made earlier, especially after facing cri

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to take back or weaken a statement you made earlier, especially after facing criticism or pressure

例句

Gabriela backtracked on her criticism after hearing the full story.

backtracked on

The minister backtracked and admitted the policy had not been thought through.

同義詞
  • recant

    more formal, often used about beliefs or official testimony

  • withdraw

    broader term; can apply to statements, offers, or physical presence

  • retract

    formal, usually about specific statements or published claims

  • backpedal

    informal, implies a hurried or embarrassed retreat from a position

反義詞
  • stand firm

    refuse to change one's position

  • insist

    maintain a statement despite opposition

  • double down

    reinforce a position when challenged instead of backing away

文法句型

backtrack on + statement/decision/promise

用法筆記

Almost always followed by 'on' before naming what is being withdrawn. Without 'on', the backtracking itself is the focus of the sentence.

常見錯誤

❌She backtracked her earlier statement.
✅She backtracked on her earlier statement.
💡the figurative sense needs 'on' before what is being withdrawn.