backstroke
B2Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A style of swimming performed on one's back, where the arms are moved alternately in a backward circular motion.
A stroke delivered backwards, as in tennis or rowing; a backward movement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to a swimming stroke. The verb form 'to backstroke' is less common. In other contexts (e.g., rowing, tennis), it is often hyphenated ('back-stroke') or specified.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are identical. No significant dialectal variation in meaning.
Connotations
None; purely technical/sporting.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects due to the global nature of competitive swimming.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] swims backstroke[Subject] wins the backstroke[Subject] is good at backstrokeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable.”
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Used in sports science literature discussing swimming techniques.
Everyday
Common in contexts related to swimming lessons, sports, or leisure activities.
Technical
Specific term in swimming, with defined rules for competition (e.g., flip turns, underwater phases).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She decided to backstroke the last length of the pool.
- He backstroked effortlessly across the lake.
American English
- She backstroked to warm up before the race.
- I watched him backstroke across the length of the pool.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- He is a backstroke specialist.
- She achieved a new backstroke record.
American English
- He is a backstroke swimmer.
- She won the backstroke final.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can swim backstroke.
- We learned backstroke in our swimming lesson.
- She is very good at backstroke and wins all her races.
- My favourite stroke is backstroke because I can breathe easily.
- The backstroke event requires swimmers to stay on their backs except during turns.
- He perfected his flip turn for the backstroke race.
- Analysing the underwater dolphin kick phase in backstroke starts is a key focus for modern coaches.
- Her backstroke technique is characterised by a high elbow recovery and a deep catch.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of lying on your BACK while making a STROKE through the water.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not strongly metaphoric; literal descriptor.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'спина' (back) + 'удар' (stroke) as it is not the established term. The correct Russian equivalent is 'плавание на спине' or the specific stroke 'кроль на спине'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'backstroke' to refer to any swimming style done on the back (it is specifically the alternating arm stroke). Confusing it with 'back crawl' (they are synonymous).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key rule specific to competitive backstroke?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern usage, 'backstroke' and 'back crawl' refer to the same competitive swimming stroke. 'Backstroke' is the more common term.
Yes, though less common than the noun. It means 'to swim using the backstroke', e.g., 'She backstroked to the other side'.
The four main competitive strokes are freestyle/front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke.
No significant difference. The term is identical in both dialects, with only the typical pronunciation variations (e.g., /strəʊk/ vs. /stroʊk/).