Differences between answer back and push back
Answer back means to reply rudely or in a disrespectful manner to someone who has authority over you, while push back means to resist or challenge someone's ideas or opinions.
Meanings and Definitions: answer back vs push back
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Answer back
- 1To reply rudely to someone in authority.
Her mother was shocked when she started ANSWERING her BACK and refusing to help.
Push back
- 1To delay or postpone.
If she is having issues again, it could explain why her album is getting pushed back.
- 2To resist or oppose something.
The banks who own the debt are pushing back hard against the German demand for more sacrifice.
Usage Examples: answer back, push back in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
answer back
Example
The student answered back to the teacher, causing tension in the classroom.
Example
He always answers back when his parents ask him to do chores.
push back
Example
We might need to push back the meeting to next week.
Example
She pushes back her appointments when she's running late.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Answer back
talk back
To reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone in authority.
Example
The student was punished for talking back to the teacher during class.
To speak impudently or disrespectfully to someone in authority.
Example
She was grounded for a week after sassing her mother when she was asked to do her chores.
Rude or disrespectful replies to someone in authority.
Example
The coach didn't tolerate any backtalk from the players during practice.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Push back
To express disagreement or opposition to an idea or proposal.
Example
Some members of the committee objected to the new policy and suggested some changes.
To question or dispute someone's ideas or opinions.
Example
The journalist challenged the politician's statement during the press conference.
To resist or go against something or someone.
Example
The workers opposed the company's decision to cut their benefits and went on strike.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “answer”
Phrasal Verbs with “push”
Phrasal Verbs with “back”
Differences in answer back vs push back: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: answer back or push back?
Both answer back and push back are commonly used in spoken English, but answer back is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of answer back and push back
Both answer back and push back are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, push back can be used in more formal settings such as business meetings or academic discussions.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of answer back and push back
The tone of answer back is usually negative and confrontational, while the tone of push back can be either positive or negative depending on the context. It can be seen as a way to challenge ideas and stimulate discussion or as a way to resist change and maintain the status quo.
answer back & push back: Synonyms and Antonyms
Answer back
Synonyms
- retort
- rebut
- sass
- disrespect
- contradict
- counter
- talk back
- defy
