nod back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Nod in response to a nod from someone else
Why “back”? The action returns to the person who did it first.
“He nodded back across the room.”
“Maya nodded back to the guard.”
Don't confuse with
Nod back means nod in response to a nod from someone else. Nod off means fall asleep briefly, especially while sitting.
Test yourself
“He nodded back across the room.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
nod off
A contrast learners often mix up
Fall asleep briefly, especially while sitting
answer back
Same back pattern: returning action
Reply in a defiant manner
call back
Same back pattern: returning action
Return a phone call; Try the phone call again; Recall a product because of a fault
fight back
Same back pattern: returning action
Defend yourself against an attack; Try to suppress a feeling like tears or anger
get back
Same back pattern: returning action
Return to a place; Reply to someone, often with information they asked for; Take revenge on someone; Receive something again that you had before
give back
Same back pattern: returning action
Return something to its owner; Make a contribution in return to a community or cause
hit back
Same back pattern: returning action
Retaliate
kick back
Same back pattern: returning action
Kick in response to an attack
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