English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word back in English

What does back mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

back

US /bæk/
UK /bæk/
"back" picture

Noun

1.

the rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips

Example:
•
He lay on his back, looking up at the stars.
•
She carried the heavy bag on her back.
Synonym:
dorsumrear
Synonym:
front
2.

the part or side of something that is opposite the front

Example:
•
Write your name on the back of the paper.
•
The house has a garden at the back.
Synonym:
rearreverse
Synonym:
front

Adverb

1.

in the opposite direction to the one that someone or something is facing or traveling

Example:
•
He looked back at the house.
•
She walked back to her car.
Synonym:
backwardrearward
Synonym:
forward
2.

to or at the place where someone or something was before

Example:
•
I'll be back in an hour.
•
Put the book back on the shelf.
Synonym:
againreturn
Synonym:
forth
3.

in or into the past

Example:
•
Looking back, I realize my mistake.
•
That was way back in the 1990s.
Synonym:
agoearlier
Synonym:
forward

Adjective

1.

situated at the back

Example:
•
The back door was open.
•
He sat in the back row.
Synonym:
rearhind
Synonym:
front

Verb

1.

move backward

Example:
•
The car backed into the parking space.
•
He backed away from the angry dog.
Synonym:
retreatwithdraw
Synonym:
advanceforward
2.

give financial, material, or moral support to

Example:
•
The community backed the new proposal.
•
We need to back our team with full enthusiasm.
Synonym:
supportendorse
Synonym:
opposeundermine
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Related Word:
backingtake backcentre backget backback doorback upgo back on