The phrase “taken back” has a few different meanings, and here are some synonyms for each of those meanings along with explanations and examples:
Meaning: To retrieve or get back something that was given or taken away
- Retrieved
- Explanation: “Retrieved” means to go and get something back that was lost, misplaced, or taken from a particular place. It implies an action of seeking out and bringing back the item. For example, The dog retrieved the ball that had been thrown into the bushes. It’s similar to “taken back” when you are taking back something that belongs to you or that you had before.
- Example: She retrieved her book from the library after it had been borrowed by someone else. This is like taking back the book that was temporarily away from her possession.
- Reclaimed
- Explanation: “Reclaimed” often has a sense of claiming something back that was either lost, given up, or perhaps taken without proper authorization. It can involve a process of asserting your right to have the thing again. For example, The owner reclaimed his stolen bicycle when the police found it. It’s a way of taking back what is rightfully yours.
- Example: He reclaimed his wallet from the lost and found after realizing he had left it there. Here, he is taking back his wallet that he had lost track of.
Meaning: To withdraw or retract something that was said or done
- Withdrawn
- Explanation: “Withdrawn” means to take back or remove something that was previously put forward, like a statement, an offer, or an action. It implies a pulling back or rescinding of what was initially done. For example, The company withdrew its job offer after finding out some new information about the candidate. It’s similar to taking back a statement or offer you made.
- Example: She withdrew her comment when she realized it might have offended someone. This is like taking back what she had said to avoid causing any harm.
- Retracted
- Explanation: “Retracted” specifically means to draw back or take back something that was said or written, especially in a formal or public context. It often implies a sense of admitting that what was said or written was incorrect or inappropriate. For example, The journalist retracted his article after it was proven to be full of false information. It’s a way of taking back the content of what was published.
- Example: The scientist retracted his theory when new evidence contradicted it. Here, he is taking back his theory as it was no longer valid based on the new evidence.
Meaning: To cause someone to remember or recall something
- Reminded
- Explanation: “Reminded” means to make someone think about something again or bring a memory back to their mind. While it’s not exactly the same as “taken back” in the sense of physically taking something back, it’s related in that it takes someone back to a past experience or thought. For example, The old song reminded her of her college days. It’s like taking her back in her memories to that time period.
- Example: The smell of freshly baked cookies reminded him of his grandmother’s kitchen. Here, the smell is taking him back to the memories associated with his grandmother’s kitchen.