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startle vs take aback

take aback vs startle

startle is a noun but take aback is not a noun.

startle and take aback both are verbs.

Word NounAdjectiveVerbAdverb
startle Yes No Yes No
take aback No No Yes No
As verbs, take aback is a hypernym of startle; that is, take aback is a word with a broader meaning than startle:
  • startle: to stimulate to action
  • take aback: surprise greatly; knock someone's socks off
Other hypernyms of startle include ball over, blow out of the water, floor, shock.
startle (noun) take aback (noun)
a sudden involuntary movement
startle (verb) take aback (verb)
to stimulate to action surprise greatly; knock someone's socks off
move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm
Difference between startle and take aback

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