How Do You Spell BACKFIRED?

Pronunciation: [bˈakfa͡ɪ͡əd] (IPA)

The word "backfired" is spelled with two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as /ˈbæk/ using the IPA phonetic transcription, which is a voiceless velar stop followed by a short "a" vowel sound. The second syllable is pronounced as /ˈfaɪəd/ which is a long "i" vowel sound, followed by a schwa sound and then a voiceless dental fricative. This term is often used when a plan or an action results in an unintended negative consequence.

BACKFIRED Meaning and Definition

  1. Backfired is a verb that describes an event or action that does not yield the desired results and instead produces an unfavorable or unintended outcome. It typically refers to situations or plans that fail spectacularly or have the opposite effect from what was intended. When something backfires, it often results in negative consequences or setbacks for the individual or group involved.

    The term "backfired" originally comes from the concept of a backfire occurring in an internal combustion engine. In this context, a backfire happens when the fuel mixture ignites in the intake or exhaust instead of inside the combustion chamber as intended. This causes a loud explosion or burst of flames that can damage or disrupt the engine.

    In a figurative sense, the concept of backfiring can be applied to a wide range of scenarios. For example, if someone attempts to publicly embarrass their opponent, but their plan is discovered and instead they become the target of embarrassment, it can be said that their scheme backfired. Similarly, if a company introduces a product or marketing campaign that is meant to boost sales but instead results in a significant decline in their customer base, it can be said that their strategy backfired.

    Overall, "backfired" refers to an endeavor or action that fails, leading to unintended consequences or results contrary to the intended purpose. It underscores the idea that not all plans or actions go as expected and can sometimes have adverse effects.

Common Misspellings for BACKFIRED

Etymology of BACKFIRED

The word backfire originated in the early 17th century and has its roots in the combination of two words: back and fire. The word back refers to the rear side or the opposite direction, while fire refers to combustion or the release of energy through combustion.

Originally, backfire was used to describe a situation where an engine or a firearm experienced the unfortunate event of a fire starting at the back instead of the front as intended. This unintended fire at the opposite end of the expected direction became associated with unexpected consequences or outcomes. Over time, the term backfire has developed to be a metaphorical expression for situations where actions or plans lead to a result that is the opposite of what was intended. Thus, when someone's plans or actions go awry and end up causing an undesired outcome, we say they backfired.

Similar spelling words for BACKFIRED

Conjugate verb Backfired

CONDITIONAL

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have backfired
we will have backfired
you will have backfired
he/she/it will have backfired
they will have backfired

PAST

I backfired
we backfired
you backfired
he/she/it backfired
they backfired

PAST PERFECT

I had backfired
we had backfired
you had backfired
he/she/it had backfired
they had backfired

PRESENT

I backfire
we backfire
you backfire
he/she/it backfires
they backfire

PRESENT PERFECT

I have backfired
we have backfired
you have backfired
he/she/it has backfired
they have backfired
I am backfiring
we are backfiring
you are backfiring
he/she/it is backfiring
they are backfiring
I was backfiring
we were backfiring
you were backfiring
he/she/it was backfiring
they were backfiring
I will be backfiring
we will be backfiring
you will be backfiring
he/she/it will be backfiring
they will be backfiring
I have been backfiring
we have been backfiring
you have been backfiring
he/she/it has been backfiring
they have been backfiring
I had been backfiring
we had been backfiring
you had been backfiring
he/she/it had been backfiring
they had been backfiring
I will have been backfiring
we will have been backfiring
you will have been backfiring
he/she/it will have been backfiring
they will have been backfiring
I would have backfired
we would have backfired
you would have backfired
he/she/it would have backfired
they would have backfired
I would be backfiring
we would be backfiring
you would be backfiring
he/she/it would be backfiring
they would be backfiring
I would have been backfiring
we would have been backfiring
you would have been backfiring
he/she/it would have been backfiring
they would have been backfiring

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