back
noun (countable)
UK/bæk/US/bæk/
the rear part of something; the part of the human body opposite the chest, from the neck to the buttocks
Example Sentences
He carried the heavy backpack on his back all day.
The directions are printed on the back of the cereal box.
Sit up straight to keep your back from hurting.
She turned her back on the crowd to focus on the presentation screen.
He stacked the books at the back of the shelf.
The kitten napped comfortably on the back of the sofa.
Despite feeling a twinge in his back, he continued to lift heavy boxes, unaware that ignoring the discomfort could lead to a more serious injury.
Whenever she felt overwhelmed, she found it helpful to lean back in her chair, take a deep breath, and gather her thoughts before moving forward again.
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adverb
UK/bæk/US/bæk/
to or toward the place or condition someone or something was in before; behind; in return
Example Sentences
She ran back to the house when she remembered the stove was on.
He quickly wrote back to confirm the appointment.
I’ll pay you back next week if that’s alright.
They decided to drive back home as soon as they heard the storm warning.
He looked back one more time before closing the door behind him.
After the conference ended, we went back to our usual routines at the office.
She tried to give back to her community by volunteering at local shelters, realizing even small gestures can make a big impact over time.
Once the software error was fixed, everything went back to normal, and the team could resume working on their main project without further interruptions.
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verb (transitive)
UK/bæk/US/bæk/
to support someone or something; to move or cause to move backward; to bet on
Example Sentences
He agreed to back his friend’s new business venture financially.
Be sure to back up your data on a regular basis to avoid losses.
Could you back the car into the driveway for me?
She hoped her colleagues would back her proposal at the next meeting.
They all decided to back the charity by organizing a fundraiser.
The senator pledged to back legislation aimed at improving healthcare access.
If you truly believe in your project, you need to back your claims with solid research and data, ensuring stakeholders see both the vision and the viability.
Despite initial skepticism from investors, the company’s founder managed to secure a major partner to back his ambitious plan for international expansion.
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adjective
UK/bæk/US/bæk/
located at or relating to the rear part of something; overdue or behind schedule in some contexts
Example Sentences
We used the back door to enter the house quietly.
He found the file in the back drawer of his desk.
They have a spacious back yard for outdoor gatherings.
She discovered a stack of old letters in the back closet.
They moved the concert to the back room of the venue for more privacy.
The back issues of the magazine are stored in the archive.
He realized he was behind on his payments and had to settle several back bills, prompting him to restructure his finances immediately.
The old barn’s back wall was damaged by the storm, necessitating urgent repairs before the rainy season started again.
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How to Use
Refers to the rear side, returning motion, or offering support in various contextsThe word “back” functions as a noun, verb, adverb, and adjective, so context matters. As a noun, it indicates the rear side or part of something—for instance, “the back of a car” or “my back hurts.” As a verb, “to back” can mean supporting someone or something, such as “I back your decision,” or physically moving in reverse: “He backed away from the door.” Used as an adverb, “back” describes returning to a previous place or state: “Give me my pen back.” Meanwhile, as an adjective, “back” modifies a noun to indicate a position behind or in the rear—like “back entrance.” In speech or writing, clarify your intent by pairing “back” with relevant prepositions or objects. For example, “turn back,” “come back,” or “sit in the back.” Pay attention to tense when using it as a verb: “I back him now,” “They backed him yesterday,” “We are backing them today.” If you’re writing instructions or guiding someone, specify which usage you need—“Go to the back of the building” (noun), “Back your files up” (verb, with a slightly different sense of support/insurance). By confirming which role “back” plays in your sentence, you’ll give your listener or reader an exact sense of direction, position, or support.
Alternatives
To avoid overusing “back,” try using synonyms and rephrasings that match your intended meaning. For indicating a rear section, “rear” or “behind” might serve better: “We entered through the rear door.” To describe returning, you can use “return,” “go back,” or “come back,” such as “They returned to the restaurant.” If you need to emphasize support, consider “support,” “endorse,” or “stand behind,” as in “I fully endorse her proposal.” In scenarios where “back” works as an adverb—like giving something back—use “return” or “hand over,” e.g., “Please return my charger when you’re done.” Sometimes, “reverse” or “move backward” can convey the sense of physically going in the opposite direction—“She reversed into the parking space.” By mixing in these synonyms, you’ll keep your language varied and precise. It also helps avoid confusion when “back” might be read in multiple ways, such as describing physical location versus offering moral or financial support. Thoughtful word choices encourage clear communication, ensuring your audience catches the correct meaning without having to puzzle out your intent.
Writing
When writing, choose the form of “back” that best suits your context. If describing positions, you might say, “Place the items at the back of the shelf,” ensuring your reader understands exactly where to put them. For narrative work, “He walked back to the cottage, heart heavy with doubt” conveys both location and emotional nuance. If you’re illustrating support in a formal paper—e.g., “Experts back this theory with recent data”—you’re establishing credibility by showing alignment with a recognized authority. To keep your text engaging, avoid excessive repetition. Instead of always saying “back,” try synonyms like “rear,” “return,” or “support.” For instance, “He returned to the study” or “He reassured her with his unwavering support.” This variety maintains a smooth, professional tone. Also, be mindful of clarity. If you say “He backed out,” ensure the context indicates whether he physically reversed (like backing out of a driveway) or withdrew from an agreement. Precision in your writing around the word “back” strengthens your narrative or argument, preventing confusion and maintaining reader engagement.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, “back” is an all-purpose word for returning items, supporting friends, or pointing to rear spaces. You might say, “I’ll bring the keys back later” to assure someone you’ll return them. If you’re encouraging a friend, you might mention, “I’ve got your back,” showing that you’ll stand by them. Planning events often involves directions: “Meet me in the back of the restaurant.” If you’re discussing reversing a car, “Could you back it up a bit?” helps coordinate movement.If you start using “back” too frequently, consider easy swaps to sound more natural. For instance, “I’ll come back soon” could become “I’ll return shortly,” adding a slight formality or variety. Or, “Go around the back,” might shift to “Head around behind the building.” In casual conversations, it’s usually fine to stick with “back,” but sprinkling in alternatives keeps your speech fresh. Also, be clear if you mean physical location, support, or returning—like, “I’ll text you back in an hour,” focusing on the response aspect rather than physical movement. Overall, “back” is a comfortable, concise word that helps day-to-day interactions flow without confusion.
Etymology
“Back” has deep roots in the Old English word “bæc,” meaning the rear part of the body. This sense of ‘behind’ or ‘the rear side’ naturally extended to include parts of objects or spaces, like the back of a room or the back of a book. Over time, English speakers further adapted “back” to signify returning to an earlier position or state, reflecting our instinct to look behind us or retrace our steps. The verb form—such as “to back someone”—emerged through metaphorical usage, drawing on the idea of standing behind someone in support. By the Middle English period, “back” was already a flexible term encompassing location, action, and support. Its simplicity and versatility have kept it common across centuries, allowing people to signal everything from posture (“straighten your back”) to encouragement (“I’ll back your idea”) to movement (“back away slowly”). This broad utility speaks to how essential direction, support, and returning are in daily human experience, preserving “back” as a cornerstone of English vocabulary.
