Adjective
/bæk əv ðə bʊk/
The term "back-of-the-book" refers to material or content found at the end of a book, typically including an index, glossary, or other supplementary resources. It is usually used in the context of reference books, textbooks, and non-fiction literature.
Frequency of Use: This phrase is moderately used, particularly in academic and educational contexts. It may be found more in written texts, such as reviews, articles, or discussions about books, rather than in casual spoken conversation.
(The index at the back of the book helped me find the specific topic I was researching.)
Many students overlook the valuable information available in the back-of-the-book glossary.
(Many students overlook the valuable information available in the glossary at the back of the book.)
His guide included a comprehensive bibliography in the back-of-the-book section.
The term "back-of-the-book" is not overly common in idiomatic expressions, but it relates to discussions about referencing and utilizing book materials efficiently. Here are examples of phrases that include book-related terminology:
(Don’t judge a book by its cover; sometimes the back of the book contains valuable resources.)
"After reading the back-of-the-book editor's notes, I gained deeper insights into the author’s intentions."
(After reading the editor's notes at the back of the book, I gained deeper insights into the author's intentions.)
"I always check the back-of-the-book reference section for additional reading suggestions."
The phrase "back-of-the-book" is a compound adjective formed from three elements: "back," referring to the rear portion of something, "of," a preposition indicating belonging or association, and "the book," referring to a physical or digital collection of texts. Its usage in print contexts has evolved over time, aligning with the growth of reference materials and educational texts.
Synonyms: - Appendix - Reference section - Glossary
Antonyms: - Foreword - Front matter - Prologue