Back vs. Rear: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 29, 2023
"Back" generally refers to the opposite of the front and can be a noun, verb, or adjective. "Rear" specifically refers to the back part of something and is primarily used as a noun or adjective. Both terms are often interchangeable.
Key Differences
The word "Back" is versatile, functioning as a noun, verb, and adjective. It can refer to the opposite of the front, as in the back of a building, or as a direction, like moving back. "Rear," on the other hand, is usually employed as a noun or adjective and specifically designates the back part of something, such as the rear of a car.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
"Back" can also have abstract meanings, such as supporting someone ("I've got your back") or returning to a previous state ("Let's go back to the topic"). "Rear," however, is less likely to be used in abstract contexts and is more focused on physical placement or location.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Both "Back" and "Rear" can describe body parts in humans and animals. For example, one can refer to the back of a person or the rear end of an animal. But "Back" is more commonly used to describe the entire dorsal side, while "Rear" often specifies the hindmost part.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Another difference lies in common expressions. Phrases like "back and forth" or "back up" utilize "Back" to express movement or support, while "Rear" is used in terms like "rearview mirror" to specifically point out objects located at the back.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
"Back" is commonly used in various idiomatic expressions like "back to square one," whereas "Rear" is not as commonly found in idioms. "Rear" is also often used in a more formal or technical context, like "rear axle" or "rear entrance," while "Back" has a more general, everyday usage.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Back and Rear Definitions
Rear
In a formal or technical context, relating to the back part.
The rear axle needs replacement.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Back
The part of the trunk of the human body along and to the sides of the spine between the neck and the pelvis; the dorsum.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Rear
The part of a military deployment usually farthest from the fighting front.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The part opposite to or behind that adapted for view or use
The back of the hand.
Wrote on the back of the photograph.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
To care for (children or a child) during the early stages of life; bring up. See Usage Note at raise.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The part of a book where the pages are stitched or glued together into the binding.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
A player who takes a position behind the front line of other players in certain games, such as football and soccer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
(transitive) To bring up to maturity, as offspring; to educate; to instruct; to foster.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To cause to move backward or in a reverse direction
Back the car up and then make the turn.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
(intransitive) To rise up on the hind legs
The horse was shocked, and thus reared.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To provide with financial or material support
Unions backed the pro-labor candidate.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To lend moral support to, as by corroborating a claim. Often used with up
I'm not comfortable filing a complaint if you won't back me up.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
To raise physically or metaphorically; to lift up; to cause to rise, to elevate.
The monster slowly reared its head.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
To construct by building; to set up
To rear defenses or houses
To rear one government on the ruins of another.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To adduce evidence in support of; substantiate
Backed the argument with facts.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Located or placed in the rear
Deliveries should be made at the back entrance.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
(regional, obsolete) To revive, bring to life, quicken. (only in the phrase, to rear to life)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
Being behind, or in the hindmost part; hindmost
The rear rank of a company
Sit in the rear seats of a car
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the back of the tongue, as oo in cool. Used of vowels.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In, to, or toward a former condition
When the spell broke, the prince turned back into a frog.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
(military) Specifically, the part of an army or fleet which comes last, or is stationed behind the rest.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
The back or hindmost part; that which is behind, or last in order; - opposed to front.
Nipped with the lagging rear of winter's frost.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
Specifically, the part of an army or fleet which comes last, or is stationed behind the rest.
When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
Being behind, or in the hindmost part; hindmost; as, the rear rank of a company.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(predicative) Returned or restored to a previous place or condition.
He was on vacation, but now he’s back.
The office fell into chaos when you left, but now order is back.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
To raise; to lift up; to cause to rise, become erect, etc.; to elevate; as, to rear a monolith.
In adoration at his feet I fellSubmiss; he reared me.
It reareth our hearts from vain thoughts.
Mine [shall be] the first hand to rear her banner.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Situated away from the main or most frequented areas.
They took a back road.
He lives out in the back country.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
To erect by building; to set up; to construct; as, to rear defenses or houses; to rear one government on the ruins of another.
One reared a font of stone.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
To lift and take up.
And having her from Trompart lightly reared,Upon his courser set the lovely load.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
To bring up to maturity, as young; to educate; to instruct; to foster; as, to rear offspring.
He wants a father to protect his youth,And rear him up to virtue.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Pronounced with the highest part of the body of the tongue toward the back of the mouth, near the soft palate (most often describing a vowel).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(not comparable) To or in a previous condition or place.
He gave back the money.
I left my mobile phone back at the hotel. I'll have to go back and get it.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In a direction opposite to that in which someone or something is facing or normally pointing.
Someone pushed me in the chest and I fell back.
The grandfather clock toppled back and crashed to the ground.
Her arm was bent back at an odd angle.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In a direction opposite to the usual or desired direction of movement or progress, physically or figuratively.
Wind the film back a few frames.
Don't forget to put the clocks back by one hour tonight!
This mishap has set the project back considerably.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
The back of a military formation or procession;
Infantrymen were in the rear
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
So as to reverse direction and return.
The light bounces back off the mirror.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
The side of an object that is opposite its front;
His room was toward the rear of the hotel
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Towards, into or in the past.
These records go back years.
He built a time machine and travelled back to 1800.
Think back to how you felt last year.
Everything was simpler back in the old days.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
The part of something that is furthest from the normal viewer;
He stood at the back of the stage
It was hidden in the rear of the store
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Away from someone or something; at a distance.
Keep back! It could explode at any moment!
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on;
He deserves a good kick in the butt
Are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
The side that goes last or is not normally seen;
He wrote the date on the back of the photograph
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
So as shrink, recede or move aside, or cause to do so.
This tree is dying back.
Clear back all this vegetation.
Draw back the curtains and let in some light.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(not comparable) In a reciprocal manner; in return.
If you hurt me, I'll hurt you back.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(postpositive) Earlier, ago.
We met many years back.
I last saw him a day or two back.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To a later point in time. See also put back.
The meeting has been moved back an hour. It was at 3 o'clock; now it's at 4 o'clock.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The rear of the body, especially the part between the neck and the end of the spine and opposite the chest and belly.
Could you please scratch my back?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
Located in or toward the back or rear;
The chair's rear legs
The rear door of the plane
On the rearward side
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(figurative) The part of a piece of clothing which covers the back.
I still need to finish the back of your dress.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Rear
The backside of a military formation.
The artillery was placed at the rear.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Back
The backrest, the part of a piece of furniture which receives the human back.
Can you fix the back of this chair?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(obsolete) That part of the body that bears clothing. (Now used only in the phrase clothes on one's back.)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
That which is farthest away from the front.
He sat in the back of the room.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The side of any object which is opposite the front or useful side.
Turn the book over and look at the back.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The reverse side; the side that is not normally seen.
I hung the clothes on the back of the door.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Area behind, such as the backyard of a house.
We'll meet out in the back of the library.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The part of something that goes last.
The car was near the back of the train.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(sports) In some team sports, a position behind most players on the team.
The backs were lined up in an I formation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(figuratively) Upper part of a natural object which is considered to resemble an animal's back.
The small boat raced over the backs of the waves.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(nautical) The keel and keelson of a ship.
The ship's back broke in the pounding surf.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
A non-alcoholic drink (often water or a soft drink), to go with hard liquor or a cocktail.
Could I get a martini with a water back?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
A large shallow vat; a cistern, tub, or trough, used by brewers, distillers, dyers, picklers, gluemakers, and others, for mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(intransitive) To go in the reverse direction.
The train backed into the station;
The horse refuses to back
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(transitive) To support.
I back you all the way;
Which horse are you backing in this race?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To change direction contrary to the normal pattern; that is, to shift anticlockwise in the northern hemisphere, or clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To brace the yards so that the wind presses on the front of the sail, to slow the ship.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To lay out a second, smaller anchor to provide additional holding power.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
(transitive) To push or force backwards.
To back oxen
The mugger backed her into a corner and demanded her wallet.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To write upon the back of, possibly as an endorsement.
To back a letter;
To back a note or legal document
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To sign or endorse (a warrant, issued in another county, to apprehend an offender).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
A large shallow vat; a cistern, tub, or trough, used by brewers, distillers, dyers, picklers, gluemakers, and others, for mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from the neck to the end of the spine; in other animals, that part of the body which corresponds most nearly to such part of a human being; as, the back of a horse, fish, or lobster.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge.
[The mountains] their broad bare backs upheaveInto the clouds.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The outward or upper part of a thing, as opposed to the inner or lower part; as, the back of the hand, the back of the foot, the back of a hand rail.
Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this,Gave me your hands, the backs and palms to kiss.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The part opposed to the front; the hinder or rear part of a thing; as, the back of a book; the back of an army; the back of a chimney.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The part opposite to, or most remote from, that which fronts the speaker or actor; or the part out of sight, or not generally seen; as, the back of an island, of a hill, or of a village.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
A support or resource in reserve.
This projectShould have a back or second, that might hold,If this should blast in proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal underground passage.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
A garment for the back; hence, clothing.
A bak to walken inne by daylight.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Being at the back or in the rear; distant; remote; as, the back door; back settlements.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To place or seat upon the back.
Great Jupiter, upon his eagle backed,Appeared to me.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To drive or force backward; to cause to retreat or recede; as, to back oxen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.
A garden . . . with a vineyard backed.
The chalk cliffs which back the beach.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To write upon the back of; as, to back a letter; to indorse; as, to back a note or legal document.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To support; to maintain; to second or strengthen by aid or influence; as, to back a friend.
Have still found it necessary to back and fortify their laws with rewards and punishments.
The mate backed the captain manfully.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To change from one quarter to another by a course opposite to that of the sun; - used of the wind.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To stand still behind another dog which has pointed; - said of a dog.
Cleon at first . . . was willing to go; but, finding that he [Nicias] was in earnest, he tried to back out.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To the place from which one came; to the place or person from which something is taken or derived; as, to go back for something left behind; to go back to one's native place; to put a book back after reading it.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
To a former state, condition, or station; as, to go back to private life; to go back to barbarism.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Away from contact; by reverse movement.
The angel of the Lord . . . came, and rolled back the stone from the door.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In concealment or reserve; in one's own possession; as, to keep back the truth; to keep back part of the money due to another.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In a state of restraint or hindrance.
The Lord hath kept thee back from honor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In withdrawal from a statement, promise, or undertaking; as, he took back the offensive words.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine;
His back was nicely tanned
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The side that goes last or is not normally seen;
He wrote the date on the back of the photograph
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The part of something that is furthest from the normal viewer;
He stood at the back of the stage
It was hidden in the rear of the store
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord;
The fall broke his back
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The part of a garment that covers your back;
They pinned a `kick me' sign on his back
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
A support that you can lean against while sitting;
The back of the dental chair was adjustable
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
The position of a player on a football team who is stationed behind the line of scrimmage
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Be behind; approve of;
He plumped for the Labor Party
I backed Kennedy in 1960
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Travel backward;
Back into the driveway
The car backed up and hit the tree
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Give support or one's approval to;
I'll second that motion
I can't back this plan
Endorse a new project
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
Located at or near the back of an animal;
Back (or hind) legs
The hinder part of a carcass
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In or to or toward a former location;
She went back to her parents' house
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
At or to or toward the back or rear;
He moved back
Tripped when he stepped backward
She looked rearward out the window of the car
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In or to or toward a past time;
Set the clocks back an hour
Never look back
Lovers of the past looking fondly backward
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In answer;
He wrote back three days later
Had little to say in reply to the questions
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Back
In repayment or retaliation;
We paid back everything we had borrowed
He hit me and I hit him back
I was kept in after school for talking back to the teacher
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
FAQs
Can Back and Rear be used interchangeably?
Often, but not always. "Rear" is more formal and specific.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What does Rear mean?
"Rear" specifies the back part of something and is mostly used as a noun or adjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is Back commonly used for body parts?
Yes, it usually refers to the entire dorsal side of a body.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What does Back generally mean?
"Back" usually refers to the opposite of the front and can be a noun, verb, or adjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is Rear used for body parts?
It often specifies the hindmost part, like the rear end of an animal.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Is Back used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, phrases like "back up" or "back to square one" use "Back."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is Back used in a formal context?
It can be, but it's generally a more versatile, everyday term.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Is Rear used in idiomatic expressions?
Rarely, it is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What is the primary part of speech for Rear?
It is primarily a noun or adjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is Rear used in a formal context?
Often, especially in technical discussions like "rear axle."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What is the primary part of speech for Back?
It can be a noun, verb, or adjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
