Meaning & use
back
The rear surface of the human body, extending from the shoulders down to the hips.
See it in a sentence
He hurt his back lifting heavy boxes without bending his knees properly.
She lay on her back and stared up at the ceiling, unable to sleep.
A note on using this word
Back is one of the most versatile words in English, also working as an adverb, adjective, and verb with very different meanings.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. adverb
In or toward a previous place, time, condition, or position.
We drove back home as soon as the storm warning was announced.
3. verb
To give support to a person, plan, or organization, often including financially.
Several investors agreed to back the startup during its first funding round.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “back”, then compare your use with the examples above.