English Dictionary

back

/bæk/

adv

(not comparable) To or in a previous condition or place. / In a direction opposite to that in which someone or something is facing or normally pointing.

He looked back and waved goodbye.

意味（1）

(not comparable) To or in a previous condition or place.

We drove back to the office with some concern on my part at the prospect of so large a case. Sunning himself on the board steps, I saw for the first time Mr. Farquhar Fenelon Cooke. He was dressed out in broad gaiters and bright tweeds, like an English tourist, and his face might have belonged to Dagon, idol of the Philistines.

意味（2）

In a direction opposite to that in which someone or something is facing or normally pointing.

Someone pushed me in the chest and I fell back.

意味（3）

In a direction opposite to the usual or desired direction of movement or progress, physically or figuratively.

Wind the film back a few frames.

意味（4）

So as to reverse direction and return.

The light bounces back off the mirror.

意味（5）

Towards, into or in the past.

These records go back years.

意味（6）

Away from someone or something; at a distance.

Keep back! It could explode at any moment!

意味（7）

Away from the front or from an edge.

Sit all the way back in your chair.

意味（8）

So as shrink, recede or move aside, or cause to do so.

This tree is dying back.

意味（9）

In a manner that impedes.

Fear held him back.

意味（10）

(not comparable) In a reciprocal manner; in return.

If you hurt me, I'll hurt you back.

意味（11）

(postpositive) Earlier, ago.

We met many years back.

意味（12）

To a later point in time. See also put back.

The meeting has been moved back an hour. It was at 3 o'clock; now it's at 4 o'clock.