rear - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
rear Word Meanings
- to lift up or raise
- to bring up a child
- the back part of something
rear Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
rear Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪə/
US
/rɪr/
rear Word Etymology
rear = raise + (verb) Old English 'raeran', meaning 'to raise up'. The picture of a parent lifting their child to see a parade helps remember this connection.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Start by planting your feet, then push up with your arms until the object rises. I pull back and shift my grip as the weight settles, feeling the effort move through my shoulders. It’s like guiding someone you care for, a slow, careful decision to hold steady and set the pace. When the rear edge comes into view and lifts a little, I place it where it belongs and keep the line straight.
Real Context
Rear is a versatile English verb and noun with several related senses: as a verb, it means to lift up or raise something, or to raise a child; as a noun, it refers to the back part of something. The sense of upbringing is linked to lifting someone toward maturity. Etymology traces to raise and the Old English raeran, meaning to raise up, reinforcing the connection between lifting and nurturing. A helpful memory cue is picturing a parent lifting a child to see a parade, which ties the physical act of lifting to the broader idea of rearing one’s offspring or a herd.
Usage Reminders
- Use rear for physical lifting and for upbringing; distinguish from raise; don’t misuse with back or posterior as a standalone action; pair with objects: rear end, rear view; remember the noun sense for the back of something; practice active collocations like rear a child vs rear cattle.
Common Misconceptions
- Rear only means the back of something, not a person's upbringing
- Confusing rear with raise when talking about bringing up a child
- Using rear up as a phrasal verb on its own
- Mistaking 'rear' for 'rear end' in every context
- Treating 'rear' as past tense form of 'rise' or 'raise'
Thinking Differences
English tends to bundle physical lifting and upbringing under rear, but learners often mix up with raise for children or confuse with the back of an object; focus on collocations and use contexts to cue meanings.
Learning Tips
- Make a mini glossary linking each sense to a sample sentence
- Create pairs: rear a child vs rear cattle
- Use visual memory aids (parent lifting child = upbringing)
- Practice with synonyms: raise, bring up, nurture
- Note collocations: rear end, rear view
- Check back/forward usage in phrasal contexts
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'rear'?
A.Front
B.Middle
C.Back
D.Top
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'rear' correctly?
A.The rear of the car is facing forwards.
B.She stood at the rear of the line.
C.The cat likes to rear up on its hind legs.
D.The rear door leads to the front yard.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'rear'?
A.Front
B.Begin
C.End
D.Raise
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'rear'?
A.Head
B.Forward
C.Front
D.Open
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving the word 'rear'?
A.Starting point of a race
B.The back of a train
C.Top of a mountain
D.Beginning of a book
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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