Definition of put back

The phrase "put back" is a phrasal verb in the English language that consists of a verb (put) and a preposition (back). This verb meaning "return an item to its original place" or "replace an item in its proper position" has been in use for centuries, with the first recorded usage dating back to the 1500s. The origin of the word "put" can be traced back to the Old English word "pyttan," meaning "place" or "set." This term evolved over time, with the Middle English version "putten" carrying the same meaning. The word "back" originated in Old English as "bæcc," which referred to the back of a person or animal, as well as the opposite or reverse position of an object. In the 1300s, it took on the meaning of "returning" or "bringing back," which led to its use in the phrasal verb "put back." The usage of the phrasal verb "put back" became more common in the 1700s, particularly in the context of grocery stores and retail establishments. In this context, "put back" refers to the action of returning a product to its intended place after making a purchase, rather than leaving it on a shelf or in a cart. Overall, the phrase "put back" is a concise and descriptive expression that conveys the notion of returning an item to its original position. It has remained a common and useful phrase in the English language due to its simplicity and clarity in conveying this concept.