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Phrasal verbs "back away" vs "pine away"

Differences between back away and pine away

Back away means to move away from something or someone, especially in a cautious or fearful manner. Pine away means to suffer from longing or grief, often for someone or something that is lost or unattainable.

Meanings and Definitions: back away vs pine away

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Back away

  • 1Retreat Retreat or go backwards. or go

    The crowd BACKED AWAY when the man pulled a knife.

Pine away

  • 1Suffer physically because of grief, stress, worry, etc.

    He's been PINING AWAY since his wife died and is a shadow of his former self.

Usage Examples: back away, pine away in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

back away

Example

When the dog started barking, I backed away slowly.

Example

She backs away when she sees a spider.

pine away

Example

She started to pine away after her best friend moved away.

Example

He pines away every time he thinks about his lost love.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Back away

retreat

To withdraw or move back from a situation or place, especially due to fear or danger.

Example

When the bear appeared, we had to retreat and slowly back away to avoid provoking it.

step back

To move backward or away from something or someone, often to gain perspective or avoid conflict.

Example

When the argument got heated, she decided to step back and take a break before continuing the discussion.

pull away

To move backward or away from someone or something, often due to discomfort or disinterest.

Example

She noticed him getting too close and quickly pulled away to maintain her personal space.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pine away

yearn for

To have a strong desire or longing for someone or something that is absent or unattainable.

Example

After her breakup, she yearned for her ex-boyfriend and couldn't stop thinking about him.

long for

To feel a strong desire or craving for something that is missing or out of reach.

Example

Living abroad made her long for her hometown and the familiar faces she left behind.

ache for

To feel a deep emotional pain or sadness due to the absence or loss of someone or something.

Example

He ached for his deceased wife and couldn't bear the thought of living without her.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “back”

Differences in back away vs pine away: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: back away or pine away?

In daily conversation, people use back away more often than pine away. This is because back away is used in a variety of situations, such as when we feel threatened or uncomfortable. Pine away is less common and tends to be used in more emotional contexts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of back away and pine away

Back away and pine away are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of back away and pine away

The tone of back away and pine away can differ based on context. Back away often carries a cautious or fearful tone, while pine away typically has a melancholic or nostalgic tone.

back away & pine away: Synonyms and Antonyms

Back away

Synonyms

Antonyms

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