Away vs. Back — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 4, 2023
Away means moving from a particular place; Back means returning to a previous position or condition.
Difference Between Away and Back
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Away" and "Back" serve as directional indicators in English, embodying opposing movements or states. "Away" implies moving to a different location, departing from a starting point or from someone, suggesting distance or detachment. Conversely, "Back" denotes a return to a prior state or place, signaling recurrence or reversal. Both terms often appear as adverbs, modifying verbs to illustrate motion or change of position, but their implications contrast regarding directionality and relation to origin or starting point.
The conceptual divergence between "Away" and "Back" is highlighted by their typical usage contexts. "Away" is often used to describe someone leaving, distancing, or absenting oneself from a particular location or person, and it carries connotations of separation or departure. In contrast, "Back" predominantly refers to returning to an original state, place, or condition, embodying concepts of restoration and recurrence. It implies a reversal of a prior action or movement, reapproaching the point of origin or a previous state.
In temporal expressions, "Away" and "Back" also reflect contrasting ideas. "Away" can suggest a future point in time, indicating a period that is yet to come, as in a task being days away. On the other hand, "Back" usually implies a past orientation, relating to previous times or conditions, and is used to refer to looking or going back in time, highlighting the contrasting temporal orientations of the two terms.
While "Away" and "Back" fundamentally represent different directions or states, they can be integral to each other in some contexts, as going away often presupposes coming back, and vice versa. The complementary nature of these terms enriches their utility in expressing various aspects of spatial and temporal relations, motion, and state changes, allowing for nuanced expressions of movements and transitions.
"Away" and "Back" are commonly used English terms, each with its distinct connotation. "Away" often signifies movement or distance from a reference point, suggesting the act of leaving or becoming distant. On the other hand, "Back" denotes a return or regression to an original state or position, indicating a cycle of departure and return.
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Both "Away" and "Back" can be utilized in various contexts, from physical movement to metaphorical implications. For instance, "Away" can represent not only physical distance but also emotional or temporal separation. Similarly, "Back" can mean returning to a location, reverting to a previous state, or revisiting a past time.
The nuances of "Away" and "Back" can be perceived in their adaptability. While "Away" can reflect a sense of escape or vacation — a movement from the routine, "Back" might hint at nostalgia or a desire to revisit cherished memories. The dichotomy of the two words offers a rich tapestry of interpretations depending on their use.
From a grammatical standpoint, both "Away" and "Back" can function as adverbs. "Away" may describe the action of moving from something or someone, and "Back" the act of returning. Both terms can profoundly influence the tone and meaning of a sentence, providing clarity on the direction or movement involved.
Comparison Chart
Direction
From a reference point
Towards a reference point
Temporality
Indicative of moving forward in time or space
Refers to a previous time or position
Emotional Context
Can signify escape or distancing
Often hints at nostalgia or familiarity
Grammatical Usage
Primarily used as an adverb
Commonly used as an adverb, noun, or adjective
Typical Associations
Departure, distance, absence
Return, regression, repetition
Compare with Definitions
Away
At a distance from the subject.
Keep that dog away from me!
Back
In return or reply.
She called out, and I shouted back.
Away
From one's possession or use.
She gave away her old clothes.
Back
In or toward the rear or the original starting point.
He walked back into the room.
Away
Indicative of refusal or denial.
Stay away from trouble!
Back
In return or in reciprocation.
She paid him back for the insult.
Away
From a particular thing or place
Ran away from the lion.
Sent the children away to boarding school.
Back
The part of the trunk of the human body along and to the sides of the spine between the neck and the pelvis; the dorsum.
Away
At or to a distance in space or time
We live a block away from the park.
Back
The analogous dorsal region in other animals.
Away
At or by a considerable interval
Away back in the 17th century.
Away off on the horizon.
Back
The backbone or spine.
Away
In a different direction; aside
Glanced away.
Back
The part or area farthest from the front.
Away
On the way
We want to get away early in the day.
Back
The part opposite to or behind that adapted for view or use
The back of the hand.
Wrote on the back of the photograph.
Away
In or into storage or safekeeping
Put the toys away.
Jewels locked away in a safe.
Back
The reverse side, as of a coin.
Away
Out of existence or notice
The music faded away.
Back
A part that supports or strengthens from the rear
The back of a couch.
Away
So as to remove, separate, or eliminate
Chipped the paint away.
Cleared away the debris.
Back
The part of a book where the pages are stitched or glued together into the binding.
Away
From one's possession
Gave the tickets away.
Back
The binding itself.
Away
Continuously; steadily
Toiled away at the project for more than a year.
Back
A player who takes a position behind the front line of other players in certain games, such as football and soccer.
Away
Freely; at will
Fire away!.
Back
In swimming, backstroke.
Away
Absent
The neighbors are away.
Back
A shallow vat or tub used chiefly by brewers.
Away
Distant, as in space or time
The city is miles away. The game was still a week away.
Back
To cause to move backward or in a reverse direction
Back the car up and then make the turn.
Away
Played on an opponent's field or grounds
An away game.
Back
To furnish or strengthen with a back or backing.
Away
In golf, having the ball lying farthest from the hole and properly playing first among competitors.
Back
To provide with financial or material support
Unions backed the pro-labor candidate.
Away
(Baseball) Out
Bases loaded, with two away.
Back
To lend moral support to, as by corroborating a claim. Often used with up
I'm not comfortable filing a complaint if you won't back me up.
Away
From a place, hence.
He went away on vacation.
Back
To be in favor of; endorse or advocate
Backed the reform proposal.
Away
Aside; off; in another direction.
I tried to approach him, but he turned away.
Back
To provide with musical accompaniment. Often used with up.
Away
Aside, so as to discard something.
Throw away, chuck away, toss away
Back
To bet or wager on.
Away
At a stated distance in time or space.
Christmas is only two weeks away.
Back
To adduce evidence in support of; substantiate
Backed the argument with facts.
Away
In or to something's usual or proper storage place.
I'll dry the dishes and you put them away.
Please file away these documents.
Back
To form the back or background of
Snowcapped mountains back the village.
Away
In or to a secure or out-of-the-way place.
The jewels were locked away in the safe.
He was shut away in the castle tower for six months.
Back
To move backward
Backed out of the garage.
Away
From a state or condition of being; out of existence.
Fade away, die away
Back
To shift to a counterclockwise direction. Used of the wind.
Away
So as to remove or use up something.
The weather has worn away the inscription, and it is no longer legible.
Please wipe away this spilled drink.
That's where tourists go to hear great Cuban bands and dance the night away.
Back
Located or placed in the rear
Deliveries should be made at the back entrance.
Away
Come away; go away; take away.
Away! Be gone! And don't let me see you round here again!
Back
Distant from a center of activity; remote.
Away
On; in continuance; without intermission or delay.
She's been in her room all day, working away at her computer.
Back
Of a past date; not current
A back issue of a periodical.
Away
Without restraint.
You've got questions? Ask away!
I saw her whaling away at her detractors.
Back
Being owed or due from an earlier time; in arrears
Back pay.
Away
(Northern England) come on!; go on!
Back
Being in a backward direction
A back step.
Away
Not here, gone, absent, unavailable, traveling; on vacation.
The master is away from home.
Would you pick up my mail while I'm away.
Back
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the back of the tongue, as oo in cool. Used of vowels.
Away
At a specified distance in space, time, or figuratively.
He's miles away by now.
Spring is still a month away.
Back
At, to, or toward the rear or back.
Away
Not on one's home territory.
Next, they are playing away in Dallas.
Back
In, to, or toward a former location
Went back for the class reunion.
Away
Out.
Two men away in the bottom of the ninth.
Back
In, to, or toward a former condition
When the spell broke, the prince turned back into a frog.
Away
(golf) Being the player whose ball lies farthest from the hole (or, in disc golf, whose disc lies farthest from the target).
Back
In, to, or toward a past time
This story goes back to the 1920s.
Away
To depart; to go to another place.
At 9 o'clock sharp he awayed to bed.
Back
In reserve or concealment
We kept back some money for emergencies.
Away
From a place; hence.
The sound is going away.
Have me away, for I am sore wounded.
Back
In check or under restraint
Barriers held the crowd back.
Away
Absent; gone; at a distance; as, the master is away from home.
Back
In reply or return
Emailed back that he would be late.
Away
Aside; off; in another direction.
The axis of rotation is inclined away from the sun.
Back
At or near the rear.
Go in the back door of the house.
Away
From a state or condition of being; out of existence.
Be near me when I fade away.
Back
(predicative) Returned or restored to a previous place or condition.
He was on vacation, but now he’s back.
The office fell into chaos when you left, but now order is back.
Away
By ellipsis of the verb, equivalent to an imperative: Go or come away; begone; take away.
And the Lord said . . . Away, get thee down.
Back
Not current.
I’d like to find a back issue of that magazine.
Away
On; in continuance; without intermission or delay; as, sing away.
Back
Situated away from the main or most frequented areas.
They took a back road.
He lives out in the back country.
Away
Distant in either space or time;
The town is a mile away
A country far away
The game is a week away
Back
In arrears; overdue.
They still owe three months' back rent.
Away
Not present; having left;
He's away right now
You must not allow a stranger into the house when your mother is away
Everyone is gone now
The departed guests
Back
Moving or operating backward.
Back action
Away
Used of an opponent's ground;
An away game
Back
Pronounced with the highest part of the body of the tongue toward the back of the mouth, near the soft palate (most often describing a vowel).
Away
(of a baseball pitch) on the far side of home plate from the batter;
The pitch was away (or wide)
An outside pitch
Back
(not comparable) To or in a previous condition or place.
He gave back the money.
I left my mobile phone back at the hotel. I'll have to go back and get it.
Away
From a particular thing or place or position (`forth' is obsolete);
Ran away from the lion
Wanted to get away from there
Sent the children away to boarding school
The teacher waved the children away from the dead animal
Went off to school
They drove off
Go forth and preach
Back
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.
The grandfather clock toppled back and crashed to the ground.
Her arm was bent back at an odd angle.
Away
From one's possession;
He gave out money to the poor
Gave away the tickets
Back
In a direction opposite to the usual or desired direction of movement or progress, physically or figuratively.
Wind the film back a few frames.
Don't forget to put the clocks back by one hour tonight!
This mishap has set the project back considerably.
Away
Out of the way (especially away from one's thoughts);
Brush the objections aside
Pushed all doubts away
Back
So as to reverse direction and return.
The light bounces back off the mirror.
Away
Out of existence;
The music faded away
Tried to explain away the affair of the letter
Idled the hours away
Her fingernails were worn away
Back
Towards, into or in the past.
These records go back years.
He built a time machine and travelled back to 1800.
Think back to how you felt last year.
Everything was simpler back in the old days.
Away
At a distance in space or time;
The boat was 5 miles off (or away)
The party is still 2 weeks off (or away)
Away back in the 18th century
Back
Away from someone or something; at a distance.
Keep back! It could explode at any moment!
Away
Indicating continuing action; continuously or steadily;
He worked away at the project for more than a year
The child kept hammering away as if his life depended on it
Back
Away from the front or from an edge.
Sit all the way back in your chair.
Away
So as to be removed or gotten rid of;
Cleared the mess away
The rotted wood had to be cut away
Back
So as shrink, recede or move aside, or cause to do so.
This tree is dying back.
Clear back all this vegetation.
Draw back the curtains and let in some light.
Away
Freely or at will;
Fire away!
Back
In a manner that impedes.
Fear held him back.
Away
In or into a proper place (especially for storage or safekeeping);
Put the toys away
Her jewels are locked away in a safe
Filed the letter away
Back
(not comparable) In a reciprocal manner; in return.
If you hurt me, I'll hurt you back.
Away
In a different direction;
Turn aside
Turn away one's face
Glanced away
Back
(postpositive) Earlier, ago.
We met many years back.
I last saw him a day or two back.
Away
In reserve; not for immediate use;
Started setting aside money to buy a car
Put something by for her old age
Has a nestegg tucked away for a rainy day
Back
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.
Away
To a different location or in a different direction.
He went away for the weekend.
Back
The rear of the body, especially the part between the neck and the end of the spine and opposite the chest and belly.
Could you please scratch my back?
Away
Into non-existence or out of sight.
The storm has passed away.
Back
The spine and associated tissues.
I hurt my back lifting those crates.
Back
Large and attractive buttocks.
Back
(figurative) The part of a piece of clothing which covers the back.
I still need to finish the back of your dress.
Back
The backrest, the part of a piece of furniture which receives the human back.
Can you fix the back of this chair?
Back
(obsolete) That part of the body that bears clothing. (Now used only in the phrase clothes on one's back.)
Back
That which is farthest away from the front.
He sat in the back of the room.
Back
The side of any object which is opposite the front or useful side.
Turn the book over and look at the back.
Back
The reverse side; the side that is not normally seen.
I hung the clothes on the back of the door.
Back
Area behind, such as the backyard of a house.
We'll meet out in the back of the library.
Back
The part of something that goes last.
The car was near the back of the train.
Back
(sports) In some team sports, a position behind most players on the team.
The backs were lined up in an I formation.
Back
(figuratively) Upper part of a natural object which is considered to resemble an animal's back.
The small boat raced over the backs of the waves.
Back
A support or resource in reserve.
Back
(nautical) The keel and keelson of a ship.
The ship's back broke in the pounding surf.
Back
(mining) The roof of a horizontal underground passage.
Back
Effort, usually physical.
Put some back into it!
Back
A non-alcoholic drink (often water or a soft drink), to go with hard liquor or a cocktail.
Could I get a martini with a water back?
Back
Among leather dealers, one of the thickest and stoutest tanned hides.
Back
(swimming) backstroke
Back
A large shallow vat; a cistern, tub, or trough, used by brewers, distillers, dyers, picklers, gluemakers, and others, for mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc.
Back
A ferryboat.
Back
(intransitive) To go in the reverse direction.
The train backed into the station;
The horse refuses to back
Back
(transitive) To support.
I back you all the way;
Which horse are you backing in this race?
Back
To change direction contrary to the normal pattern; that is, to shift anticlockwise in the northern hemisphere, or clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Back
To brace the yards so that the wind presses on the front of the sail, to slow the ship.
Back
To lay out a second, smaller anchor to provide additional holding power.
Back
To stand still behind another dog which has pointed.
Back
(transitive) To push or force backwards.
To back oxen
The mugger backed her into a corner and demanded her wallet.
Back
To get upon the back of; to mount.
Back
To place or seat upon the back.
Back
To make a back for; to furnish with a back.
To back books
Back
To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.
Back
To write upon the back of, possibly as an endorsement.
To back a letter;
To back a note or legal document
Back
To sign or endorse (a warrant, issued in another county, to apprehend an offender).
Back
To row backward with (oars).
To back the oars
Back
.
Back
To carry an infant on one's back.
Back
A large shallow vat; a cistern, tub, or trough, used by brewers, distillers, dyers, picklers, gluemakers, and others, for mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc.
Back
A ferryboat. See Bac, 1.
Back
In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from the neck to the end of the spine; in other animals, that part of the body which corresponds most nearly to such part of a human being; as, the back of a horse, fish, or lobster.
Back
An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge.
[The mountains] their broad bare backs upheaveInto the clouds.
Back
The outward or upper part of a thing, as opposed to the inner or lower part; as, the back of the hand, the back of the foot, the back of a hand rail.
Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this,Gave me your hands, the backs and palms to kiss.
Back
The part opposed to the front; the hinder or rear part of a thing; as, the back of a book; the back of an army; the back of a chimney.
Back
The part opposite to, or most remote from, that which fronts the speaker or actor; or the part out of sight, or not generally seen; as, the back of an island, of a hill, or of a village.
Back
The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw.
Back
A support or resource in reserve.
This projectShould have a back or second, that might hold,If this should blast in proof.
Back
The keel and keelson of a ship.
Back
The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal underground passage.
Back
A garment for the back; hence, clothing.
A bak to walken inne by daylight.
Back
Being at the back or in the rear; distant; remote; as, the back door; back settlements.
Back
Being in arrear; overdue; as, back rent.
Back
Moving or operating backward; as, back action.
Back
To get upon the back of; to mount.
I will back him [a horse] straight.
Back
To place or seat upon the back.
Great Jupiter, upon his eagle backed,Appeared to me.
Back
To drive or force backward; to cause to retreat or recede; as, to back oxen.
Back
To make a back for; to furnish with a back; as, to back books.
Back
To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.
A garden . . . with a vineyard backed.
The chalk cliffs which back the beach.
Back
To write upon the back of; as, to back a letter; to indorse; as, to back a note or legal document.
Back
To support; to maintain; to second or strengthen by aid or influence; as, to back a friend.
Have still found it necessary to back and fortify their laws with rewards and punishments.
The mate backed the captain manfully.
Back
To bet on the success of; - as, to back a race horse.
Back
To move or go backward; as, the horse refuses to back.
Back
To change from one quarter to another by a course opposite to that of the sun; - used of the wind.
Back
To stand still behind another dog which has pointed; - said of a dog.
Cleon at first . . . was willing to go; but, finding that he [Nicias] was in earnest, he tried to back out.
Back
In, to, or toward, the rear; as, to stand back; to step back.
Back
To the place from which one came; to the place or person from which something is taken or derived; as, to go back for something left behind; to go back to one's native place; to put a book back after reading it.
Back
To a former state, condition, or station; as, to go back to private life; to go back to barbarism.
Back
Of time) In times past; ago.
Back
Away from contact; by reverse movement.
The angel of the Lord . . . came, and rolled back the stone from the door.
Back
In concealment or reserve; in one's own possession; as, to keep back the truth; to keep back part of the money due to another.
Back
In a state of restraint or hindrance.
The Lord hath kept thee back from honor.
Back
In return, repayment, or requital.
What have I to give you back?
Back
In withdrawal from a statement, promise, or undertaking; as, he took back the offensive words.
Back
In arrear; as, to be back in one's rent.
Back
The posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine;
His back was nicely tanned
Back
The side that goes last or is not normally seen;
He wrote the date on the back of the photograph
Back
The part of something that is furthest from the normal viewer;
He stood at the back of the stage
It was hidden in the rear of the store
Back
(football) a person who plays in the backfield
Back
The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord;
The fall broke his back
Back
The front and back covering of a book;
The book had a leather binding
Back
The part of a garment that covers your back;
They pinned a `kick me' sign on his back
Back
A support that you can lean against while sitting;
The back of the dental chair was adjustable
Back
The position of a player on a football team who is stationed behind the line of scrimmage
Back
Be behind; approve of;
He plumped for the Labor Party
I backed Kennedy in 1960
Back
Travel backward;
Back into the driveway
The car backed up and hit the tree
Back
Give support or one's approval to;
I'll second that motion
I can't back this plan
Endorse a new project
Back
Cause to travel backward;
Back the car into the parking spot
Back
Support financial backing for;
Back this enterprise
Back
Be in back of;
My garage backs their yard
Back
Place a bet on;
Which horse are you backing?
I'm betting on the new horse
Back
Shift to a counterclockwise direction;
The wind backed
Back
Establish as valid or genuine;
Can you back up your claims?
Back
Strengthen by providing with a back or backing
Back
Related to or located at the back;
The back yard
The back entrance
Back
Located at or near the back of an animal;
Back (or hind) legs
The hinder part of a carcass
Back
Of an earlier date;
Back issues of the magazine
Back
In or to or toward a former location;
She went back to her parents' house
Back
At or to or toward the back or rear;
He moved back
Tripped when he stepped backward
She looked rearward out the window of the car
Back
In or to or toward an original condition;
He went back to sleep
Back
In or to or toward a past time;
Set the clocks back an hour
Never look back
Lovers of the past looking fondly backward
Back
In answer;
He wrote back three days later
Had little to say in reply to the questions
Back
In repayment or retaliation;
We paid back everything we had borrowed
He hit me and I hit him back
I was kept in after school for talking back to the teacher
Back
To or toward a former state.
He decided to go back to his old job.
Back
In reserve or readiness.
I have some money saved back for emergencies.
Common Curiosities
Is "Away" always related to physical distance?
No, "Away" can also denote emotional or temporal distance.
Can "Back" be used as a noun?
Yes, "Back" can refer to the rear part of something, like one's back.
Can both "Away" and "Back" be used in a metaphorical context?
Absolutely, both can be used to describe non-physical movements or changes.
Is "Away" used to indicate the future?
Not necessarily, it often indicates distance, but not always temporal progression.
How are "Away" and "Back" different in emotional contexts?
"Away" can imply escape or distancing, while "Back" might evoke nostalgia or familiarity.
Does "Back" always mean returning to the original starting point?
Not always. It can mean a return to any prior state or position, not just the starting point.
Can "Back" refer to the past?
Yes, "Back" can be used to reference a past time, as in "back in the day."
Can "Back" signify a regression in progress or development?
Yes, it can mean returning to a previous state or condition.
How do "Away" and "Back" function grammatically?
Primarily as adverbs, but "Back" can also be a noun or adjective.
Is "Away" always about departure?
While often about departure, "Away" can also signify distance or absence without leaving.
What emotional tone does "Back" typically carry?
"Back" often conveys a sense of nostalgia, return, or familiarity.
Can "Away" be used to express denial or refusal?
Yes, as in "Stay away from me!"
Are "Away" and "Back" antonyms?
In some contexts, they can be, but not in all uses.
Is "Away" associated with a sense of freedom or liberation?
It can be, especially in contexts where one moves "away" from constraints or limitations.
Can "Back" be an adjective?
Yes, as in "the back door" where it describes a specific type of door.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
