setback
|set-back|
B2
/ˈsɛtˌbæk/
obstacle or delay
Etymology
Etymology Information
'setback' originates from the combination of 'set' and 'back', where 'set' meant 'to place' and 'back' meant 'in reverse'.
Historical Evolution
'setback' evolved from the Middle English phrase 'setten bak', which meant to 'place in reverse'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to place something back', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an obstacle or delay'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an unexpected obstacle or delay in progress.
The project faced a major setback due to the storm.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35