back · adv
back (STATE)
B2 to the state something or someone was in before
Dictionary examples:
It's not badly broken - I'm sure we can put it back together again. (20.3)
A thunderstorm woke me, and I couldn't get back to sleep. (28.4)
Hopefully things will get back to normal soon. (33.2)
back (EARLIER)
B2 at or to an earlier time
Dictionary examples:
We first met back in 1971. (10.7)
This tradition dates back to the 16th century. (59.0)
back (AWAY FROM)
B2 in a direction away from something
Dictionary examples:
The house is set back from the road. (26.9)
He pulled back the curtain. (38.8)
back and forth
C2 in one direction and then in the opposite direction, often many times
Dictionary examples:
She swayed back and forth to the music. (82.0)
She drove back and forth between Rochester and New York several times this summer. (87.2)
back (RETURNING)
A1 where someone or something was before
Dictionary examples:
The pen rolls back to the desk. (0.0)
The cat jumps back into the box. (0.0)
The dog walks back to its bed. (0.0)
When do you go back to school? (8.6)
I put the can back in the cabinet. (14.2)
back (REPLY)
A2 as a reply or reaction to something
Dictionary examples:
I sneezed loudly, and the whole class sneezed back! (0.0)
The baby made funny faces at me, so I made funnier faces back! (0.0)
My phone beeped at me, so I beeped back! (0.0)
I waved to her and she waved back. (40.2)
I'm busy at the moment - can I call you back? (41.0)
back (BEHIND)
B1 in a direction behind you
Dictionary examples:
The sleepy student leaned back in class and started snoring loudly. (0.0)
The surprised chef jumped back when the fish suddenly flopped in the pan. (0.0)
The clumsy waiter walked back, tripping over his own feet. (0.0)
He sat back on the sofa. (12.1)
Anna stepped back. (13.1)