Hang Back

Pronunciation: /hæŋ bæk/

Definitions of hang back

verb to hesitate or delay in taking action or making a decision

Example Sentences

A1 I like to hang back and observe before joining a new group of people.

A2 The shy student tends to hang back during class discussions.

B1 It's important to hang back and let others have a chance to speak during meetings.

B2 The experienced hiker decided to hang back and let the beginners set the pace.

C1 The detective chose to hang back and watch the suspect's movements from a distance.

C2 In order to gather more information, the journalist decided to hang back and observe the situation before approaching.

Examples of hang back in a Sentence

formal During the meeting, some team members tend to hang back and observe rather than actively participate.

informal Hey, don't hang back! Join us and have some fun.

slang I always hang back at parties, just chilling and watching everyone.

figurative Sometimes in life, it's okay to hang back and let things unfold naturally.

Grammatical Forms of hang back

• past tense: hung back
• plural: hangs back
• comparative: hangs back more
• superlative: hangs back most
• present tense: hang back
• future tense: will hang back
• perfect tense: has hung back
• continuous tense: is hanging back
• singular: hangs back
• positive degree: hang back
• infinitive: to hang back
• gerund: hanging back
• participle: hung back

Origin and Evolution of hang back

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The term 'hang back' originated from Middle English, where 'hang' meant to remain in a suspended or delayed position, and 'back' referred to a backward motion or position.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'hang back' evolved to mean to hesitate or hold back from moving forward, often out of caution or reluctance.