different between rearward vs aback

English

Etymology

rear +? -ward

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /??i?.w? d/

Noun

rearward (plural rearwards)

1. The part that comes last or is situated in the rear; conclusion, wind-up.
2. The last troop; the rear of an army; a rear guard.

Alternative forms

• rereward (obsolete)

Adjective

rearward (comparative more rearward, superlative most rearward)

1. Toward the back or rear of something.

   The rearward seats of the bus were unpleasantly close to the toilet facilities.

Adverb

rearward

1. Toward the back or rear of something.
   • 1991, Peter Cozzens, Better Place to Die: The Battle of Stones River (page 124)

     The ensuing struggle was bitter but brief, as for a third time the Alabamians stumbled rearward through the cedars. If Manigault were to take the guns, he would need help.

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /??bæk/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /??bæk/
• Rhymes: -æk

Etymology 1

• From Middle English abak, from Old English onbæc.
• a- (“towards”) +? back (“back”).

Compare West Frisian tebek (“aback”, adverb, literally “to/at back”), Swedish tillbaka (idem.).

Adverb

aback (not comparable)

1. (archaic) Towards the back or rear; backwards. [First attested prior to 1150.]
2. (archaic) In the rear; a distance behind. [First attested prior to 1150.]

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Knolles to this entry?)
3. By surprise; startled; dumbfounded. (see usage)
4. (nautical) Backward against the mast; said of the sails when pressed by the wind from the "wrong" (forward) side, or of a ship when its sails are set that way. [First attested in the late 17^th century.]

Usage notes

• (by surprise): Preceded by a form of the word take, see take aback.

Translations

See also

• Category:English phrasal verbs with particle (aback)

Etymology 2

From abacus.

Noun

aback (plural abacks)

1. (obsolete) An abacus.

Translations

References

Anagrams

• Baack, Ba?ka