How Do You Spell ABOUTFACE?

Pronunciation: [ɐbˈa͡ʊtfe͡ɪs] (IPA)

The word "aboutface" is spelled as /əˈbaʊtfeɪs/. The first syllable, "a-", is pronounced as the schwa sound, which is a soft vowel sound. The second syllable, "bout", is pronounced as /baʊt/, which has a diphthong combination of the "ow" sound and the "oo" sound. The final syllable, "face", is pronounced as /feɪs/, which has a long "a" vowel sound and a hard "s" sound. This word refers to a military maneuver where a person quickly turns around to face the opposite direction.

ABOUTFACE Meaning and Definition

1. About-face is a noun that refers to a complete reversal of opinion, attitude, or action, often in a sudden and unexpected manner. It can also be used as a verb, with the same meaning, to describe the act of making such a reversal. The term originated from military drill exercises in which soldiers make a 180-degree turn to face the opposite direction.

   In a figurative sense, an about-face signifies a complete change in stance, strategy, or position. It suggests a swift and decisive shift in perspective or behavior. Such reversals can occur in personal relationships, political views, and business decisions. For instance, a politician might perform a dramatic about-face on a controversial issue, completely changing their stance to align with public opinion.

   The term is often associated with abruptness and unpredictability, as it implies a sudden departure from an established course of action. An about-face can be motivated by a variety of factors, including new information, external pressures, personal experiences, or a reassessment of goals and priorities. It is typically seen as a significant and notable change, drawing attention to the individual or group involved.

   In summary, an about-face is a complete reversal of opinion, attitude, or action, often characterized by its suddenness and unexpected nature. It can occur across various domains and is typically regarded as a notable shift or change.

Common Misspellings for ABOUTFACE

• zboutface
• sboutface
• wboutface
• qboutface
• avoutface
• anoutface
• ahoutface
• agoutface
• abiutface
• abkutface
• ablutface
• abputface
• ab0utface
• ab9utface
• aboytface
• abohtface
• abojtface
• aboitface
• abo8tface
• abo7tface

Etymology of ABOUTFACE

The word "about-face" has its origins in the military, particularly in marching formations. The term comes from the combination of two words: "about" and "face".

The word "about" can be traced back to Middle English and is derived from the Old English word "abutan", meaning "on the outside" or "around". It eventually evolved to mean "in a circle" or "in a circuitous route". In military contexts, "about" is used to indicate a turn that changes the direction of movement by 180 degrees.

The word "face" comes from Middle English, ultimately derived from the Old French word "face", meaning "face" or "countenance". The term "face" in military usage refers to the direction an individual is currently facing in a formation.

Idioms with the word ABOUTFACE

• an aboutface An about-face is a sudden and complete change of opinion or behavior, especially one that is contradictory to what was previously expressed or done.
• aboutface An abrupt and complete reversal of one's position or opinion, usually in response to new information or circumstances.

Plural form of ABOUTFACE is ABOUTFACES