What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
posterior
Example
The doctor examined the patient's posterior during the check-up. [posterior: noun]
Example
The dog wagged its tail and licked its posterior. [posterior: adjective]
Example
The team struggled in the first half but made a comeback in the posterior half of the game. [posterior: adjective]
rear
Example
The car's rear window was broken in the accident. [rear: adjective]
Example
The horse kicked its rear legs and galloped away. [rear: noun]
Example
She had to rear her children alone after her husband passed away. [rear: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rear is more common than posterior in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. Posterior is more specialized and less commonly used outside of specific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between posterior and rear?
Posterior is more formal and scientific, while rear is more casual and everyday, making it suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts.
