rear
B1Neutral - used in formal, informal, and literary contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The back part of something, or the action of bringing up children.
The back part of any space, vehicle, or group; also, to raise animals or to rise up (as a horse).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning shifts dramatically between noun ('back part') and verb ('raise/care for'). As a noun, it often implies 'hindmost section' (rear of the car) or 'buttocks' (colloquial). As a verb, it implies careful nurturing over time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'rear' as a verb for raising children is more common than in US English, where 'raise' is dominant. 'Rear up' for a horse is equal.
Connotations
In UK, 'rear' for child-raising is neutral; in US, it can sound slightly formal or old-fashioned. The noun meaning ('the rear') is identical.
Frequency
The noun form is equally frequent in both dialects. The verb form ('to rear children') is significantly more frequent in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
rear + [direct object] (children, cattle)rear + [prepositional phrase] (in the country)rear + [adverb] (up)the + rear + of + [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bring up the rear”
- “rear its ugly head”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might refer to 'rear of the warehouse' for logistics.
Academic
Used in sociology/psychology ('rearing practices'), zoology ('rearing conditions').
Everyday
Common for car parts, child-raising (UK), and describing positions.
Technical
In engineering/automotive design ('rear axle', 'rear differential').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She reared three children on her own in a small village.
- The horse reared up in fright at the plastic bag.
American English
- He was reared in Texas but moved north for college.
- The stallion reared suddenly, throwing the rider.
adjective
British English
- Please use the rear door for deliveries.
- The rear light on my bicycle is broken.
American English
- The rear bumper of the truck was dented.
- We sat in the rear seats of the theater.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The toilet is at the rear of the plane.
- Dogs sometimes rear up on their hind legs.
- She was reared by her grandparents after her parents died.
- The car hit us from the rear.
- Problems with the contract began to rear their ugly head during the final negotiations.
- The mansion had a beautiful garden at the rear.
- The study compared child-rearing practices across different socioeconomic groups.
- The cavalry unit brought up the rear of the procession.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'Rear' sounds like 'near' the back. To REAR children is to RAISE them, both verbs start with 'R'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS BEHIND US / CARING IS GROWING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing noun 'rear' (задняя часть) with verb 'rear' (воспитывать). The Russian verb 'рвать' (to tear) is a false friend in sound only.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'raise' instead of 'rear' in UK contexts for formal child-raising. Confusing 'rear' (verb) with 'rare' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'rear' used as a verb meaning 'to raise'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In UK English, it is standard. In US English, it can sound slightly formal or literary; 'raise' is more colloquial.
They are synonyms, but 'rear' implies the entire process of upbringing, often in a specific environment. 'Raise' is more general and dominant in American English.
In technical/neutral contexts (car parts), yes. When referring to a person's buttocks, it is a mild, humorous euphemism, acceptable in informal settings.
No. It only means to nurture and bring up (living things) or to rise up. For buildings, use 'erect' or 'construct'.