How Do You Spell BACKSLIDE?

Pronunciation: [bˈaksla͡ɪd] (IPA)

The word "backslide" is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" due to its etymology. The word originally comes from the Old English word "beclysan", which evolved into "backsliding" in Middle English. The "c" in "backslide" represents the "s" sound that was present in the earlier version of the word. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈbækslaɪd/ to indicate the "a" sound in the first syllable, the "k" sound in "back," and the "d" sound at the end.

BACKSLIDE Meaning and Definition

  1. Backslide, also known as regression or relapse, refers to the act of reverting back to a former state or behavior after experiencing progress or improvement in a specific area. It commonly refers to the deterioration of one's physical, mental, or emotional condition.

    Typically used in the context of addiction or recovery, backsliding occurs when an individual returns to their previous patterns of negative behavior or substance abuse, despite having previously made positive changes. This setback can be triggered by various factors such as stress, temptation, or the influence of the environment. Backsliding often leads to a renewed dependency or addiction, jeopardizing the individual's overall well-being and progress.

    In a broader sense, backsliding is not limited to addiction but can apply to any situation where a person reverts to an undesirable state. This may include reverting to unhealthy eating habits after dieting, returning to an old habit after promising to quit, or deviating from a previously determined positive path.

    The term "backslide" can also be used metaphorically to describe a decline or decline in progress in any given situation. It highlights the act of moving backward rather than forward and symbolizes a loss of momentum or positive development.

    In summary, backslide signifies the act of returning to a former, typically undesirable state, behavior, or condition after experiencing progress or improvement. It emphasizes the regression or relapse, commonly associated with addiction but applicable to various areas of life.

  2. To fall off; to turn away from gradually.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BACKSLIDE

Etymology of BACKSLIDE

The word "backslide" derives from the combination of two Old English words: "bac" meaning "back" or "backward" and "slīdan" meaning "to slide".

In its early usage, "backslide" referred literally to sliding or slipping backward, often used to describe someone physically falling back down a hill or slope. Over time, the term's usage extended to describe a metaphorical decline or regression, particularly in the context of morality or religious faith.

The literal image of sliding backward is used metaphorically to depict a person reverting to a previous state, such as returning to old habits, vices, or previous beliefs. Today, "backslide" is commonly used to describe lapses and relapses in various areas of life, not limited to morality or religion.

Similar spelling words for BACKSLIDE

Plural form of BACKSLIDE is BACKSLIDES

Conjugate verb Backslide

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have backslid; backslidden
you would have backslid; backslidden
he/she/it would have backslid; backslidden
we would have backslid; backslidden
they would have backslid; backslidden
I would have backslide
you would have backslide
he/she/it would have backslide
we would have backslide
they would have backslide

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been backsliding
you would have been backsliding
he/she/it would have been backsliding
we would have been backsliding
they would have been backsliding

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would backslide
you would backslide
he/she/it would backslide
we would backslide
they would backslide

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be backsliding
you would be backsliding
he/she/it would be backsliding
we would be backsliding
they would be backsliding

FUTURE

I will backslide
you will backslide
he/she/it will backslide
we will backslide
they will backslide

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be backsliding
you will be backsliding
he/she/it will be backsliding
we will be backsliding
they will be backsliding

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have backslid; backslidden
you will have backslid; backslidden
he/she/it will have backslid; backslidden
we will have backslid; backslidden
they will have backslid; backslidden
I will have backslid
we will have backslid
you will have backslid
he/she/it will have backslid
they will have backslid

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been backsliding
you will have been backsliding
he/she/it will have been backsliding
we will have been backsliding
they will have been backsliding

IMPERATIVE

you backslide
we let´s backslide

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to backslide

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was backsliding
you were backsliding
he/she/it was backsliding
we were backsliding
they were backsliding

PAST PARTICIPLE

backslid; backslidden
backslid

PAST PERFECT

I had backslid; backslidden
you had backslid; backslidden
he/she/it had backslid; backslidden
we had backslid; backslidden
they had backslid; backslidden
I had backslid
we had backslid
you had backslid
he/she/it had backslid
they had backslid

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been backsliding
you had been backsliding
he/she/it had been backsliding
we had been backsliding
they had been backsliding

PRESENT

I backslide
you backslide
he/she/it backslides
we backslide
they backslide

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am backsliding
you are backsliding
he/she/it is backsliding
we are backsliding
they are backsliding

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

backsliding

PRESENT PERFECT

I have backslid; backslidden
you have backslid; backslidden
he/she/it has backslid; backslidden
we have backslid; backslidden
they have backslid; backslidden
I have backslid
we have backslid
you have backslid
he/she/it has backslid
they have backslid

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been backsliding
you have been backsliding
he/she/it has been backsliding
we have been backsliding
they have been backsliding

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it backslide

SIMPLE PAST

I backslid
you backslid
he/she/it backslid
we backslid
they backslid
I would have backslid
we would have backslid
you would have backslid
he/she/it would have backslid
they would have backslid

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