Backdate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when giving something an earlier date than the actual date, such as a document or a check.

• The company decided to backdate the contract to include the previous month's services
• He backdated the check to avoid late fees

Typically used when deliberately altering information to deceive or mislead, often in a way that is unethical or illegal.

• She was accused of falsifying financial records
• Falsifying data in a scientific study can have serious consequences

Commonly used when controlling or influencing something or someone cleverly or unscrupulously, often in a way that serves one's own interests.

• He managed to manipulate the stock market to his advantage
• She manipulated the project outcomes to make herself look better

Used when conveying false or misleading information about something or someone, often to create a wrong impression.

• The salesman was caught misrepresenting the product's capabilities
• Misrepresenting facts in court can lead to legal consequences

Used when you date a document or an action to an earlier date than the actual date of completion.

• They decided to backdate the contract to include last month's work.
• The insurance policy was backdated to cover the incident.

Commonly used in legal and administrative contexts to describe a policy or law that takes effect from a previous date.

• The pension benefits will be calculated from a retroactive date of January 1st.
• The contract was granted a retroactive date to address earlier issues.

Used in formal contexts to refer to a date that comes before another specified date.

• Please ensure all reports are submitted by the prior date.
• Adjustments must be made by the prior date of the deadline.

Used more generally to refer to any date that comes before a particular point in time.

• The meeting has been rescheduled to an earlier date.
• Please respond by an earlier date if possible.