back

At the part of something furthest from its front.

• Use the back door.
• We sat in the back row.
• Her keys were in her back pocket.

Similar words: rear

Opposites: front

Common phrases: back door, back seat, back garden

In the place or state where someone or something was before.

• Dad is back.
• The lights are back on.
• After a week of rest, she was back at work.

How to use it: be back from somewhere (She is back from Spain.); be back at/in somewhere (He is back in the office.)

Similar words: returned

Opposites: away

Common phrases: be back, back home, back to normal

To a place, person, or state where someone or something was before.

• Please give it back.
• We went back to the hotel.
• She put the book back on the shelf.

How to use it: back to someone/somewhere (Send the form back to me.)

Common phrases: go back, give something back, back to normal

In the direction behind you or opposite to the way something is facing.

• Step back, please.
• She leaned back in her chair.
• He was pushed and fell back against the wall.

Similar words: backwards

Opposites: forward

Common phrases: step back, lean back, fall back

The part of something furthest from the front, or the area behind it.

• The kitchen is at the back.
• Write your name on the back of the page.
• We waited at the back of the queue.

How to use it: the back of something (The address is on the back of the envelope.); at/in the back (The children sat at the back.)

Similar words: rear

Opposites: front

Common phrases: back of something, at the back, round the back

The rear surface of your body, between your neck and the top of your legs.

• My back is wet.
• She lay on her back in the grass.
• He had a small scar on his back.

Common phrases: on your back, turn your back, scratch your back

The bones and muscles along the rear of your body that support you and help you move.

• My back hurts.
• He injured his back while lifting a box.
• These exercises help strengthen your back.

Common phrases: hurt your back, lower back, bad back

The part of a piece of clothing that covers the rear of your body.

• The back of my shirt is torn.
• She sewed a zip into the back of the dress.
• Both coat backs need a second layer of fabric.

How to use it: the back of a garment (The back of the jacket has a small pocket.)

Similar words: back panel

Opposites: front

Common phrases: back of something, dress back, jacket back