Pronunciation: /slɪp bæk/

Definitions of slip back

noun a sudden return to a previous state or condition

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a slip back in the hallway.

A2 The slip back of the chair was broken.

B1 She grabbed the slip back of his shirt as he tried to leave.

B2 The slip back of the sofa was covered in dust.

C1 The slip back of the bookshelf was hidden behind the books.

C2 The slip back of the painting revealed a hidden compartment.

verb to go back or revert to a previous state or condition

Example Sentences

A1 I slipped back into my old habits.

A2 She slipped back into her comfort zone.

B1 After a brief moment of confidence, he slipped back into his shy demeanor.

B2 Despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but slip back into his old ways.

C1 The athlete struggled not to slip back into bad training habits.

C2 Even after years of therapy, he still occasionally slips back into negative thought patterns.

Examples of slip back in a Sentence

formal After making progress in her recovery, she felt herself starting to slip back into old habits.

informal I thought I was over my ex, but sometimes I slip back and start missing them.

slang I was doing well with my diet, but then I slipped back and ate a whole pizza.

figurative As he tried to move forward in his career, he couldn't help but feel like he was slipping back into his old job.

Grammatical Forms of slip back

past tense

slipped

plural

slip back

comparative

more slip back

superlative

most slip back

present tense

slip back

future tense

will slip back

perfect tense

have slipped back

continuous tense

is slipping back

singular

slip back

positive degree

slip back

infinitive

to slip back

gerund

slipping back

participle

slipped back

Origin and Evolution of slip back

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The term 'slip back' originated from Middle English, where 'slip' meant to move smoothly and quickly, and 'back' indicated a return to a previous state or position.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'slip back' has evolved to also imply a regression or setback in progress or development, in addition to its original meaning of moving smoothly and quickly back to a previous state.