Rear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿš—
Add to dictionary

rear

[rษชษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

of a car

The back part of a vehicle where the engine is located. It is also the part of a car that is behind the driver's seat.

Synonyms

back, hind, tail end.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rear

Used to refer to the back part of something, often used in formal contexts or when referring to large objects or vehicles.

  • He placed the luggage in the rear of the car
  • The house has a large garden at the rear
back

Commonly used to refer to the part of someone or something that is opposite the front, typically informal and versatile.

  • She has a tattoo on her back
  • Please sit at the back of the room
tail end

Used to refer to the very end of something, often colloquial and emphasizes the furthest point back.

  • We caught the tail end of the concert
  • The tail end of the project was finally completed
hind

Often used in reference to the back legs of a four-legged animal; formal and somewhat technical.

  • The horse injured its hind leg
  • The animalโ€™s hindquarters were strong and muscular

Examples of usage

  • The rear of the car was damaged in the accident.
  • The engine is located in the rear of the vehicle.
Context #2 | Noun

of a building

The back part of a building or structure.

Synonyms

back, backside, behind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rear

Use in formal contexts to refer to the back part of an object, vehicle, or structure.

  • The car was hit from the rear.
  • Please use the rear entrance.
back

Common and versatile word used to describe the part of a body, object, or space farthest from the front. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • She hurt her back while lifting the box.
  • He sat at the back of the room.
behind

Used both literally and figuratively to describe a position at or to the rear of something or someone. It can relate to physical location or to being late or delayed.

  • The garden is behind the house.
  • He was running behind schedule.
backside

Informal term often used to refer specifically to the human buttocks. It may sometimes carry a humorous or less polite connotation.

  • He slipped and landed on his backside.
  • You need to get off your backside and help out.

Examples of usage

  • There is a garden at the rear of the house.
  • The rear of the building faces the park.
Context #3 | Verb

military

To bring up the rear, to follow behind others.

Synonyms

bring up the rear, follow, trail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rear

Used to describe the back part of something or the position at the back of a group.

  • The rear of the car was damaged in the accident
  • The soldiers were instructed to secure the rear of the formation
follow

Generally used to indicate that one person or thing is coming after another, either physically or metaphorically.

  • Please follow me to your seat
  • She tends to follow the latest fashion trends
bring up the rear

Typically used in group activities or movements to describe someone or something that is in the last position, often suggesting responsibility for making sure that no one is left behind.

  • In the hiking group, Tim was chosen to bring up the rear to ensure no one got lost
  • She always brings up the rear during our morning runs

Examples of usage

  • The troops are instructed to rear the main battalion.
  • He was rearing the convoy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often 'rear back' to show surprise or shock, giving a dramatic effect.
  • The term has been used in expressions like 'rearview mirror', which emphasizes looking back on past experiences.

Science

  • In biology, 'rear' can refer to the back part of an animal, especially in reference to locomotion and behavior.
  • In horticulture, 'rear' is used when nurturing plants, as in 'to rear a seedling', meaning to raise it from a young stage.

Literature

  • 'Rear' often symbolizes looking backward or reflecting on past actions in stories, emphasizing character development.
  • In poetry, the word is sometimes used metaphorically to discuss the fun and struggle of growing up.

Psychology

  • 'Rear' can be used in discussions about childhood development, like 'rearing children', indicating the importance of upbringing and environment.
  • Research shows that a nurturing 'rear' environment impacts emotional and cognitive growth in children.

Origin of 'rear'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Rear' comes from the Old French word 'reer', meaning 'to raise' or 'to elevate'.
  • The word has been used in English since the 14th century, often referring to positioning or elevation.
  • In military contexts, 'rear' refers to the back or protective part of a formation.

The word 'rear' has its origins in Middle English, coming from the Old English word 'hrฤ“ar'. It has been used to refer to the back part of objects or structures since the 14th century. Over time, 'rear' has evolved to encompass various contexts, from describing the back of a vehicle to military formations.


See also: rearward, rearwards.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,907, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.