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rear
/ɪə(r)/
the back part
The rear of the car was damaged in the accident.
The back part of the car was damaged.
general
the back part of something
She sat in the rear of the bus.
She sat at the back of the bus.
Commonly used to describe the back part of vehicles, buildings, or objects.
general
to move backward
The driver reared the car to avoid the obstacle.
The driver moved the car backward to avoid the obstacle.
Less common usage as a verb, often replaced by 'reverse' in modern English.
literary
to raise the front part of the body, especially in anger or surprise
The horse reared up when it heard the loud noise.
The horse raised its front legs in fear when it heard the loud noise.
Often used to describe animal behavior, especially horses.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Rear' is most commonly used as a noun to describe the back part of something, especially vehicles.
Gold Rule
Noun vs. Verb
Be mindful of the context to distinguish between 'rear' as a noun (back part) and as a verb (to move backward or raise up).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'reer', from Old French 'rier', from Latin 'retro' meaning 'backward'.
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'rear' can mean to raise or bring up children, though this usage is less common today.
Word Breakdown
re-
back, again
prefix-ar
related to position or direction
suffixEnglish Dictionary