Definition

To assign an earlier date to something than the date it was actually created or issued.

Example

The accountant decided to backdate the invoice to the previous month.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard you had to backdate that invoice for the client.

Yeah, it was a bit tricky, but necessary to keep things on track.

Did they accept it without any issues?

Fortunately, they did; I guess they understood the situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Backdate → It is formed from "back-" (meaning backward or in the past) and "date" (from Latin "data", meaning something given or a specific time). The word "backdate" means to assign a date to something that is earlier than the actual date.

Memory Tip

Think of going 'back' in time ('back-') to assign an earlier 'date' — that's what backdate means.

Visually Confused Words