backward

¹back·ward

adverb \ˈbak-wərd\

Definition of BACKWARD

1

a : toward the back

b : with the back foremost

2

a : in a reverse or contrary direction or way

b : toward the past

c : toward a worse state

— bend over backward or lean over backward

: to make extreme efforts (as at concession)

Variants of BACKWARD

back·ward or back·wards \-wərdz\

Examples of BACKWARD

1. a sudden movement backward, not forward
2. I heard a noise behind me and glanced backward.
3. He pushed the throttle backward.
4. She took a small step backward.
5. a journey backward in time
6. The narrative moves backward and forward in time.

First Known Use of BACKWARD

14th century

Related to BACKWARD

Synonyms

back, rearward (also rearwards)

Antonyms

ahead, along, forth, forward, forwards, on, onward (also onwards)

Related Words

astern, sternforemost; anticlockwise [chiefly British], counterclockwise, left-handed, left-handedly, retrograde, reversely, widdershins (also withershins)

Near Antonyms

before

²backward

adjective

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

³backward

noun

Definition of BACKWARD

: the part behind or past

First Known Use of BACKWARD

1610