Back — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Back
Back (noun)
- the rear part of the human body especially from the neck to the end of the spine
- the body considered as the wearer of clothes
- capacity for labor, effort, or endurance
Back (adverb)
- to, toward, or at the rear
- in or into the past, backward in time; also, ago
- to or at an angle off the vertical
Back (adjective)
- being at or in the back
- distant from a central or main area
- articulated at or toward the back of the oral passage, formed deep within the mouth
Back (verb)
- to support by material or moral assistance —often used with up
- substantiate —often used with up
- to assume financial responsibility for
Back (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
earlier than the present time
"that's longer back than I can remember"
-
toward the opposite direction
"turned back for one last comment"
-
toward the rear
"concert security asked the crowd to move back"
Back (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
a behind part or surface
"the back of the page was blank"
-
a vulnerable point
"a candidate needing a loyal aide who can be relied upon to always watch his back"
Back (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
to promote the interests or cause of
"she enthusiastically backed the plan to renovate and upgrade the school's facilities"
-
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
"a number of influential people have already agreed to back the candidate"
-
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea)
"the author needs to back her thesis with more facts"
Back (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part
"she carried all the presents in the back door, as the children were playing in the front yard"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Back
The most common words with a similar meaning to Back:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Back
Words with the opposite meaning of Back:
Near Antonyms of Back
Word Forms of Back
Inflections: backs, backed, backing
Derived words: backed (adjective), backless (adjective), backer (noun)
Origin & Etymology of Back
Middle English, from Old English bæc; akin to Old High German bah back, Old Norse bak
First known use: before 12th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Back
- CEFR level: A1 English Vocabulary — Page 1
- Topics: Body & Health
Words & Phrases Containing Back
Frequently Asked Questions about Back
What does "Back" mean?
"Back" means the rear part of the human body especially from the neck to the end of the spine. As an a noun, an adverb, an adjective and a verb, it is defined as: the rear part of the human body especially from the neck to the end of the spine. It has 9 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Back"?
Other words for "Back" include ago, agone, since, syne, about, around, backward and round. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Back" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Back"?
There are 119 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Back". Common alternatives include ago, agone, since, syne, about, around, backward, round, rearward and rear.
What is the opposite of "Back"?
Antonyms of "Back" include hence, ahead, along, forth, forward, forwards, on and onward. Near antonyms include clockwise, deasil, before and baffle.
How do you use "Back" in a sentence?
Examples of "Back" in a sentence: "that's longer back than I can remember"; "turned back for one last comment"; "concert security asked the crowd to move back".
Is "Back" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Back" can be used as a noun, an adverb, an adjective and a verb, depending on the context.
Is "Back" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As an A1-level word, "Back" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.
How do you pronounce "Back"?
"Back" is pronounced /ˈbak/.