Difference Wiki

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
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Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb, Adjective
Noun, Adjective
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023

Abstract Use

Yes
No
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023

Body Part Context

Entire dorsal side
Hindmost part
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023

Idiomatic Phrases

Common (e.g., "back up")
Less Common
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023

Formality

General
More Formal or Technical
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
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Back and Rear Definitions

Back

To support or endorse.
I back your decision to apply.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023

Rear

The back part of something.
He parked in the rear of the building.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023

Back

To return to a previous state.
Let's go back to the main point.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023

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
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Rear

A hind part.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

The analogous dorsal region in other animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

The point or area farthest from the front
The rear of the hall.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

The backbone or spine.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

The part of a military deployment usually farthest from the fighting front.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

The part or area farthest from the front.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

(Informal) The buttocks.
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

Of, at, or located in the rear.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

The reverse side, as of a coin.
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

A part that supports or strengthens from the rear
The back of a couch.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To tend (growing plants or animals).
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

Rear

To build; erect.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

The binding itself.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

(Archaic) To lift upright; raise.
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

To rise on the hind legs, as a horse.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

In swimming, backstroke.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To rise high in the air; tower.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

A shallow vat or tub used chiefly by brewers.
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

To breed and raise.
The family has been rearing cattle for 200 years.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To furnish or strengthen with a back or backing.
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

Rear

To get angry.
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

(intransitive) To rise high above, tower above.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To be in favor of; endorse or advocate
Backed the reform proposal.
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

Back

To provide with musical accompaniment. Often used with up.
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 bet or wager on.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To raise spiritually; to lift up; to elevate morally.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To adduce evidence in support of; substantiate
Backed the argument with facts.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To lift and take up.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To form the back or background of
Snowcapped mountains back the village.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To rouse; to strip up.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To move backward
Backed out of the garage.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To place in the rear; to secure the rear of.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To shift to a counterclockwise direction. Used of the wind.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To sodomize perform anal sex
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

(transitive) To move; stir.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Distant from a center of activity; remote.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To carve.
Rear that goose!
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Of a past date; not current
A back issue of a periodical.
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

Back

Being owed or due from an earlier time; in arrears
Back pay.
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

Being in a backward direction
A back step.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

(of eggs) Underdone; nearly raw.
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

Rear

(of meats) Rare.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

At, to, or toward the rear or back.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

Early; soon
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

In, to, or toward a former location
Went back for the class reunion.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

The back or hindmost part; that which is behind, or last in order.
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

Back

In, to, or toward a past time
This story goes back to the 1920s.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

(anatomy) The buttocks or bottom.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

In reserve or concealment
We kept back some money for emergencies.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

Early; soon.
Then why does Cuddy leave his cot so rear?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

In check or under restraint
Barriers held the crowd back.
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

Back

In reply or return
Emailed back that he would be late.
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

Back

At or near the rear.
Go in the back door of the house.
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 place in the rear; to secure the rear of.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Not current.
I’d like to find a back issue of that magazine.
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

Back

In arrears; overdue.
They still owe three months' back rent.
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

Back

Moving or operating backward.
Back action
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

Rear

To breed and raise; as, to rear cattle.
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

Rear

To rouse; to stir up.
And seeks the tusky boar to rear.
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

Rear

To rise up on the hind legs, as a horse; to become erect.
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

Back

Away from the front or from an edge.
Sit all the way back in your chair.
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

Rear

Stand up on the hind legs, of quadrupeds;
The horse reared in terror
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

In a manner that impedes.
Fear held him back.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

Bring up;
Raise a family
Bring up children
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

Rear

Rise up;
The building rose before them
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

Rear

Cause to rise up
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

Rear

Construct, build, or erect;
Raise a barn
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

The spine and associated tissues.
I hurt my back lifting those crates.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

To raise or nurture.
She reared three children.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023

Back

Large and attractive buttocks.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Rear

The hindmost part of an animal.
The dog wagged its rear.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 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

A support or resource in reserve.
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

(mining) The roof of a horizontal underground passage.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Effort, usually physical.
Put some back into it!
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

Among leather dealers, one of the thickest and stoutest tanned hides.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

(swimming) backstroke
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

A ferryboat.
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

To stand still behind another dog which has pointed.
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 get upon the back of; to mount.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To place or seat upon the back.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To make a back for; to furnish with a back.
To back books
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.
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

To row backward with (oars).
To back the oars
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To carry an infant on one's 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

A ferryboat. See Bac, 1.
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 keel and keelson of a ship.
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

Being in arrear; overdue; as, back rent.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Moving or operating backward; as, back action.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To get upon the back of; to mount.
I will back him [a horse] straight.
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 make a back for; to furnish with a back; as, to back books.
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 bet on the success of; - as, to back a race horse.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

To move or go backward; as, the horse refuses to back.
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

In, to, or toward, the rear; as, to stand back; to step back.
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

Of time) In times past; ago.
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 return, repayment, or requital.
What have I to give you back?
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

In arrear; as, to be back in one's rent.
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

(football) a person who plays in the backfield
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 front and back covering of a book;
The book had a leather binding
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

Cause to travel backward;
Back the car into the parking spot
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Support financial backing for;
Back this enterprise
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Be in back of;
My garage backs their yard
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Place a bet on;
Which horse are you backing?
I'm betting on the new horse
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Shift to a counterclockwise direction;
The wind backed
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Establish as valid or genuine;
Can you back up your claims?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Strengthen by providing with a back or backing
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Back

Related to or located at the back;
The back yard
The back entrance
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

Of an earlier date;
Back issues of the magazine
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 an original condition;
He went back to sleep
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

Back

The opposite side to the front.
I wrote my name on the back of the card.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023

Back

The dorsal side of the body.
He had a tattoo on his back.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023

Back

To move in a reverse direction.
He walked back to his car.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 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

Can Rear refer to raising children?

Yes, as in "She reared three children."
Sara Rehman
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

Can Back refer to supporting someone?

Yes, as in "I've got your back."
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023

Can Back be used as a verb?

Yes, as in "I back your decision."
Sara Rehman
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

Can Rear be used as a verb?

Yes, but mainly to indicate raising or nurturing.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Sumera 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.

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