arrière

back

noun adverb ah-ree-EHR Less Common

Also means

rear

Usage Note

Arrière functions as a noun (l'arrière de la voiture, 'the back of the car'), an adverb (en arrière, 'backwards'), and a prefix (arrière-goût, 'aftertaste'; arrière-plan, 'background'). The command en arrière or en arrière toute ('full reverse') is used in nautical and figurative contexts. As a soccer position, un arrière is a defender.

Examples

"Elle a fait un pas en arrière."

Natural Translation

She took a step back.

Literal Translation

She made one step to the back.

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