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backdate

/ˈbækdeɪt/
verb★Intermediate
⚖️Law
formal

to give a date to something that is earlier than its original date

The company was forced to backdate the contract to avoid penalties.

The insurance policy was backdated to cover the loss.

💡

In law and finance, backdating refers to assigning an earlier date to a document or transaction.

informal

to make something seem as though it happened earlier than it did

He backdated his journal entries to make it seem like he had been working on the project longer.

Collocations

backdate a documentto give an earlier date to a documentbackdate a policyto make a policy effective from an earlier date

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

backdatedphrase
having been given an earlier date
backdatingphrase
the act of giving an earlier date

💡Pro Tip

Usage in contracts

When backdating a contract, ensure all parties agree and understand the implications.

⚡Gold Rule

Correct Usage

Use 'backdate' when referring to giving an earlier date to a document or transaction.

📖Word Origin

From 'back' and 'date', first used in the 17th century.

📝Usage Notes

Be cautious with backdate in formal contexts, especially in law and finance, as it can have serious implications.

Word Breakdown

back-
again, anew
prefix
+
date
a specific point in time
root
✎ Noted on May 27, 2026EN → EN

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