Back vs. Rear: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Back" refers to the opposite of front, often the dorsal side of a body or object, while "rear" specifically denotes the hindmost part of something, especially in relation to direction or position.
Key Differences
The word "Back" is commonly used in everyday language to refer to the opposite side of the front, typically of a physical object, body part, or even an abstract concept. "Rear," on the other hand, is often used in more formal or technical contexts, such as in military or automotive terminology, to describe the back part of a structure or formation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
"Back" can also imply a return to a previous state or position, as in "going back." In contrast, "Rear" lacks this connotation of movement or return, instead focusing solely on describing a position or location at the back.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
When used as verbs, "Back" can mean to support or move backwards, as in "backing a project" or "backing up a car." "Rear," as a verb, is often associated with upbringing or raising, like "rearing children."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
In terms of physicality, "Back" can refer to the human back, emphasizing the body part. "Rear," while it can describe a part of the body, is more often used to describe the back part of objects or animals.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
"Back" can also be a directional term, implying a movement towards the back, as in "step back." In contrast, "Rear" is less commonly used in such directional contexts, maintaining its role as a descriptor of position.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Back and Rear Definitions
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Rear
The part of a military deployment usually farthest from the fighting front.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
To care for (children or a child) during the early stages of life; bring up. See Usage Note at raise.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The part of a book where the pages are stitched or glued together into the binding.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
A player who takes a position behind the front line of other players in certain games, such as football and soccer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To cause to move backward or in a reverse direction
Back the car up and then make the turn.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
(transitive) To bring up to maturity, as offspring; to educate; to instruct; to foster.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To provide with financial or material support
Unions backed the pro-labor candidate.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
(intransitive) To rise up on the hind legs
The horse was shocked, and thus reared.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
To raise physically or metaphorically; to lift up; to cause to rise, to elevate.
The monster slowly reared its head.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
To construct by building; to set up
To rear defenses or houses
To rear one government on the ruins of another.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To adduce evidence in support of; substantiate
Backed the argument with facts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To form the back or background of
Snowcapped mountains back the village.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Located or placed in the rear
Deliveries should be made at the back entrance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
(regional, obsolete) To revive, bring to life, quicken. (only in the phrase, to rear to life)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
Being behind, or in the hindmost part; hindmost
The rear rank of a company
Sit in the rear seats of a car
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the back of the tongue, as oo in cool. Used of vowels.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
In, to, or toward a former condition
When the spell broke, the prince turned back into a frog.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
(military) Specifically, the part of an army or fleet which comes last, or is stationed behind the rest.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
Being behind, or in the hindmost part; hindmost; as, the rear rank of a company.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Situated away from the main or most frequented areas.
They took a back road.
He lives out in the back country.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
To lift and take up.
And having her from Trompart lightly reared,Upon his courser set the lovely load.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
So as to reverse direction and return.
The light bounces back off the mirror.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
The back of a military formation or procession;
Infantrymen were in the rear
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Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
The side of an object that is opposite its front;
His room was toward the rear of the hotel
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Away from someone or something; at a distance.
Keep back! It could explode at any moment!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Away from the front or from an edge.
Sit all the way back in your chair.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rear
The side that goes last or is not normally seen;
He wrote the date on the back of the photograph
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(not comparable) In a reciprocal manner; in return.
If you hurt me, I'll hurt you back.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(postpositive) Earlier, ago.
We met many years back.
I last saw him a day or two back.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(figurative) The part of a piece of clothing which covers the back.
I still need to finish the back of your dress.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The backrest, the part of a piece of furniture which receives the human back.
Can you fix the back of this chair?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(obsolete) That part of the body that bears clothing. (Now used only in the phrase clothes on one's back.)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
That which is farthest away from the front.
He sat in the back of the room.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The side of any object which is opposite the front or useful side.
Turn the book over and look at the back.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The reverse side; the side that is not normally seen.
I hung the clothes on the back of the door.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Area behind, such as the backyard of a house.
We'll meet out in the back of the library.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The part of something that goes last.
The car was near the back of the train.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(sports) In some team sports, a position behind most players on the team.
The backs were lined up in an I formation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(nautical) The keel and keelson of a ship.
The ship's back broke in the pounding surf.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(intransitive) To go in the reverse direction.
The train backed into the station;
The horse refuses to back
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(transitive) To support.
I back you all the way;
Which horse are you backing in this race?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To brace the yards so that the wind presses on the front of the sail, to slow the ship.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To lay out a second, smaller anchor to provide additional holding power.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
(transitive) To push or force backwards.
To back oxen
The mugger backed her into a corner and demanded her wallet.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To write upon the back of, possibly as an endorsement.
To back a letter;
To back a note or legal document
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To sign or endorse (a warrant, issued in another county, to apprehend an offender).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge.
[The mountains] their broad bare backs upheaveInto the clouds.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
A support or resource in reserve.
This projectShould have a back or second, that might hold,If this should blast in proof.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal underground passage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
A garment for the back; hence, clothing.
A bak to walken inne by daylight.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Being at the back or in the rear; distant; remote; as, the back door; back settlements.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To place or seat upon the back.
Great Jupiter, upon his eagle backed,Appeared to me.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To drive or force backward; to cause to retreat or recede; as, to back oxen.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.
A garden . . . with a vineyard backed.
The chalk cliffs which back the beach.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To write upon the back of; as, to back a letter; to indorse; as, to back a note or legal document.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To change from one quarter to another by a course opposite to that of the sun; - used of the wind.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
To a former state, condition, or station; as, to go back to private life; to go back to barbarism.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Away from contact; by reverse movement.
The angel of the Lord . . . came, and rolled back the stone from the door.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
In a state of restraint or hindrance.
The Lord hath kept thee back from honor.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
In withdrawal from a statement, promise, or undertaking; as, he took back the offensive words.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The side that goes last or is not normally seen;
He wrote the date on the back of the photograph
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord;
The fall broke his back
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The part of a garment that covers your back;
They pinned a `kick me' sign on his back
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
A support that you can lean against while sitting;
The back of the dental chair was adjustable
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
The position of a player on a football team who is stationed behind the line of scrimmage
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Be behind; approve of;
He plumped for the Labor Party
I backed Kennedy in 1960
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Travel backward;
Back into the driveway
The car backed up and hit the tree
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Give support or one's approval to;
I'll second that motion
I can't back this plan
Endorse a new project
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Place a bet on;
Which horse are you backing?
I'm betting on the new horse
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Located at or near the back of an animal;
Back (or hind) legs
The hinder part of a carcass
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
In or to or toward a former location;
She went back to her parents' house
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
In answer;
He wrote back three days later
Had little to say in reply to the questions
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Back
Return to a previous condition;
The company went back to its original policies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is 'back' used in the context of time?
'Back' can refer to a past time, as in "back in the day."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can 'back' and 'rear' be used interchangeably?
In many contexts, they can be used interchangeably, but 'back' is more versatile, often used in broader contexts beyond physical positioning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can 'back' imply support or endorsement?
Yes, 'back' can mean to support or endorse, as in "backing a project."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Is 'rear' only used to describe physical objects?
'Rear' is typically used for physical objects or beings, but it can also metaphorically describe the background or less prominent part of something.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Is 'back' used in body language descriptions?
Yes, 'back' is often used in descriptions of posture or body language, like "leaning back."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Does 'rear' have a military usage?
In a military context, 'rear' often refers to the part of an army or formation positioned behind the main body.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
What does 'bringing something to the rear' mean?
It means moving something towards the back or making it less prominent.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
What does 'back' mean?
'Back' commonly refers to the opposite of front, the rear side of something, or the part of the body where the spine is.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
What does 'rear-view' mean?
'Rear-view' refers to a view or perspective from the back, like a rear-view mirror in a car.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
What does 'rear' mean?
'Rear' refers to the back part or side of something, especially in relation to position or direction.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can 'rear' be used as a verb?
Yes, 'rear' can be a verb meaning to raise or care for, especially in the context of upbringing, like rearing children.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
How is 'back' used in technology terms?
'Back' can refer to returning to a previous screen or page, as in "go back to the home page."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can 'back' refer to direction in instructions?
Yes, 'back' can indicate direction, like "move back" or "step back."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Is 'rear' used in automotive contexts?
Yes, in vehicles, 'rear' refers to the back part, like the rear seat or rear bumper.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
How is 'back' used in expressions?
'Back' appears in expressions like "back to square one" or "back to basics."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
What is the difference in tone between 'back' and 'rear'?
'Rear' is more formal and specific, while 'back' is more casual and versatile.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Does 'rear' have an architectural use?
Yes, in architecture, 'rear' refers to the back part of a building or structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can 'back' be a noun, verb, and adjective?
Yes, 'back' functions as a noun (body part), verb (to support), and adjective (rear side).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Is 'rear' used in animal descriptions?
Yes, 'rear' can describe the back part of an animal, like "rear legs" or "rear end."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
How does context affect the use of 'back' and 'rear'?
Context determines their appropriateness; 'back' is more general, while 'rear' is often more specific to position or direction.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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