Back matter – Definition & Meaning

In the world of literature, the term “back matter” is often used to refer to the content that appears at the end of a book. This can include anything from an index or bibliography to author biographies or acknowledgments. While the concept of back matter may be familiar to many readers, its definition and meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used.

Definitions

Back matter is the term used to describe the material that appears at the end of a book, after the main text has concluded. This can include items such as an index, bibliography, glossary, or appendix. The purpose of back matter is to provide readers with additional information that may be useful or relevant to the content of the book.

Origin

The origin of the term “back matter” is not clear, but it is likely that it has been in use for many years. The concept of including additional material at the end of a book has been around for centuries, and it is likely that the term “back matter” was simply a convenient way to refer to this content.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of back matter can vary slightly depending on the dictionary being used. In general, however, most dictionaries define back matter as the material that appears at the end of a book, after the main text has concluded.

Associations

Back matter is often associated with non-fiction books, as these types of books typically contain more reference material than fiction books. However, it is important to note that back matter can appear in any type of book, including novels, poetry collections, and memoirs.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for back matter, including end matter, appendix, and supplementary material. These terms all refer to the additional content that appears at the end of a book.

Antonyms

There are no true antonyms for back matter, as it is a specific term that refers to a specific type of content. However, the opposite of back matter would be front matter, which refers to the material that appears at the beginning of a book.

The same root words

There are no specific root words associated with back matter, as it is a term that has been coined specifically for this purpose. However, the term “matter” itself comes from the Latin word “materia,” which means “substance” or “material.”

Example Sentences

1. The back matter of the book included an extensive bibliography and index.
2. The author’s biography was included in the back matter of the novel.
3. The glossary in the back matter of the textbook was incredibly helpful for studying.
4. The appendix in the back matter of the memoir provided additional context for the author’s experiences.
5. The acknowledgments section in the back matter of the book thanked everyone who had helped with the project.