Back
/bæk/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe posterior part of the human body, from the shoulders to the hips.
/bæk/
The rear part of the body
My back aches.
💡 Simply: Your behind.
More Examples
He patted me on the back.
How It's Used
"He injured his back lifting weights."
The side opposite the front.
/bæk/
The reverse side of something
The back of the house overlooks the garden.
💡 Simply: The opposite side.
More Examples
He wrote a note on the back of an envelope.
How It's Used
"Write your name on the back of the card."
To give support or assistance to.
/bæk/
To support or endorse
I back your decision.
💡 Simply: To support.
More Examples
The government is backing the new initiative.
How It's Used
"The company backs this new project."
Towards the back or rear.
/bæk/
Towards the rear
Step back!
💡 Simply: Going backwards.
More Examples
He looked back.
How It's Used
"He backed away slowly."
Idioms & expressions
turn one's back on
To ignore or abandon someone or something.
"She turned her back on her family."
From Old English *bac, from Proto-Germanic *bakkaz.
The word 'back' has consistently been used to describe the rear part of the body and the opposite side of something, going as far back as Old English.
Memory tip
Think of a backpack, which is carried on your back.