backward

²backward

adj

Definition of BACKWARD

1

a : directed or turned backward b : done or executed backward

2

: diffident, shy

3

: retarded in development

— back·ward·ly adverb

— back·ward·ness noun

Examples of BACKWARD

1. a technologically backward village that has no running water
2. <a backward turn on ice skates is hard to learn because you can't see where you're going>

First Known Use of BACKWARD

14th century

Related to BACKWARD

Synonyms: rearward, retrograde

Antonyms: extroverted (also extraverted), immodest, outgoing

Related Words: reverse, reversed; aft, after, hind, posterior, rear; astern, sternforemost

Near Antonyms: forward

see all synonyms and antonyms

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