backward

[ bak-werd ]

adverb

1. toward the back or rear.

   Antonyms: forward

2. with the back foremost.
3. in the reverse of the usual or right way:

   counting backward from 100.

4. toward the past:

   to look backward over one's earlier mistakes.

5. toward a less advanced state; retrogressively:

   Since the overthrow of the president the country has moved steadily backward.

adjective

1. directed toward the back or past.
2. reversed; returning:

   a backward movement;

   a backward journey.

3. behind in time or progress; late; slow:

   a backward learner;

   a backward country.

   Synonyms: underdeveloped, retarded, tardy

4. bashful or hesitant; shy:

   a backward lover.

   Synonyms: retiring, timid, disinclined

backward

/ ˈbækwəd /

adjective

1. usually prenominal directed towards the rear

   a backward glance

2. retarded in physical, material, or intellectual development

   a backward child

   backward countries

3. 1. of or relating to the past; conservative or reactionary
   2. ( in combination )

      backward-looking

4. reluctant or bashful

   a backward lover

5. chess (of a pawn) behind neighbouring pawns and unable to be supported by them

adverb

1. a variant of backwards

Derived Forms

• ˈbackwardly, adverb
• ˈbackwardness, noun

Other Word Forms

• back·ward·ly adverb
• back·ward·ness noun
• un·back·ward adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of backward¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, backward is from the Middle English word bakwarde. See back ¹, -ward

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. backward and forward, thoroughly: Also backwards and forwards.

   He knew his lesson backward and forward.

More idioms and phrases containing backward

In addition to the idiom beginning with backward , also see bend over backward ; fall over (backwards) ; know like a book (backwards and forwards) .

Example Sentences

The memoir’s double-helix structure, in which Ward narrates both forward and backward, disrupts notions of time and space.

From Los Angeles Times

Glenn is loath to go backward, much less indulge in personality quirks he’s outgrown because fatherhood awaits.

From Los Angeles Times

His current administration takes two steps backward for every step taken forward.

From Salon

If you’re someone who knows your self-worth and you know that your role doesn’t define you, you’re not going to bend over backward.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s largely backward compatible, so most Switch games will play on the new console.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• toward the rear