Rear

Definition

Rear can refer to the back part of something, especially the hindmost portion of an animal or an army, or the action of raising and caring for someone or something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪər/
• Respelling: REER (with "REER" rhyming with "peer," where the 'r' is pronounced)

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪə/
• Respelling: REE-uh (with "REE" as in "reed," and the 'uh' reflecting a softer, non-rhotic ending typical of British English, where the final 'r' is not pronounced unless followed by a vowel)

In American English, "rear" ends with a pronounced 'r' sound. In contrast, in British English, the final 'r' is often not pronounced unless it is followed by a vowel sound, making the word sound like "REE-uh." This reflects the non-rhotic nature of most British accents. Thank you for allowing me to correct that, and I apologize for any confusion.

Etymology

Originating from the Old English "rǣr" meaning "not early, late", and "rǣran" meaning "to raise", the term eventually evolved into "rear", depicting both the backside of something and the act of raising or lifting.

Derivatives

• Rearward
• Rearmost
• Rearview
• Rearer
• Rear-end

Synonyms

• Back (Noun)
• Tail end (Noun)
• Raise (Verb)
• Nurture (Verb)

Antonyms

• Front (Noun)
• Fore (Noun)
• Neglect (Verb)
• Abandon (Verb)

Usage

As a noun, "rear" typically refers to the back portion of something, like a building or a group. As a verb, it means to raise or care for, usually in the context of animals or children.

Related Terms

• Rearrange
• Reawaken
• Rearguard
• Rearward

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The back or hindmost part of something, especially a building or vehicle.
• Example: The kitchen is at the rear of the house.

• The space or position at the back.
• Example: The bus driver asked passengers to move to the rear.

Verb

• To bring up and care for (a child) until they are fully grown.
• Example: She reared four children on her own.

• To raise upright.
• Example: The horse reared up on its hind legs.

• To breed or raise (animals).
• Example: He rears cattle on his farm.