adverb
COLLOCATIONS FROM CORPUS
■ VERB
take
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Being surprised by opinion polls is like being taken aback by blue skies.
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Intel was taken aback by the intensity of public anger.
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The young major was momentarily taken aback by the sheer opulence of the room.
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The authorities were taken aback , and took the unprecedented step of cordoning off the painting.
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He was slightly taken aback by the sheer size of the girl.
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Hernandez seemed taken aback by the attention his proposed bonfire created.
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Henry, taken aback , replied weakly that he had not had carnal relations with Anne's mother.
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Lucenzo looked up as if he'd only just realised she'd slipped away, and seemed taken aback when he saw her.
EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS
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He seemed even more taken aback than I was, and this heartened me.
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He was momentarily a bit taken aback .
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Intel was taken aback by the intensity of public anger.
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She appeared taken aback , as if she had only just realised that the pair of them were not alone.
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The authorities were taken aback , and took the unprecedented step of cordoning off the painting.
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The singer is capable of delicacy, as well; the occasional pianissimo utterance takes you aback .
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They all looked suitably taken aback by his entrance, muttering disapproval whilst he insisted that Ockleton step outside.
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Though she did seem taken aback , come to think of it.