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backward

 - 4 dictionary results

back⋅ward

  [bak-werd]
Use backward in a Sentence
–adverb Also, backwards.
1. toward the back or rear.
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
6. directed toward the back or past.
7. reversed; returning: a backward movement; a backward journey.
8. behind in time or progress; late; slow: a backward learner; a backward country.
9. bashful or hesitant; shy: a backward lover.
—Idiom
10. backward and forward, thoroughly: He knew his lesson backward and forward. Also, backwards and forwards.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME bakwarde. See back 1 , -ward

Related forms:
back⋅ward⋅ly, adverb
back⋅ward⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
8. tardy; retarded, underdeveloped. 9. disinclined; timid, retiring.

Antonyms:
1. forward.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To backward
back·ward   (bāk'wərd)   
adj.  

  1. Directed or facing toward the back or rear.

  2. Done or arranged in a manner or order that is opposite to previous occurrence or normal use.

  3. Unwilling to act; reluctant; shy.

  4. Behind others in progress or development: The technology was backward, but the system worked.

adv.   or back·wards (-wərdz)

  1. To or toward the back or rear.

  2. With the back leading.

  3. In a reverse manner or order.

  4. To, toward, or into the past.

  5. Toward a worse or less advanced condition.

back'ward·ly adv., back'ward·ness n.
Usage Note: The adverb may be spelled backward or backwards, and these forms are interchangeable: stepped backward; a mirror facing backwards. In Standard English, however, the adjective has no -s: a backward view.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

backward 
c.1300, from abakward, from O.E. on bæc + -weard adj./adv. suffix. Backwards, with adverbial genitive, is from 1513. Meaning "behindhand with regard to progress" is first attested 1693. To ring bells backward (from lowest to highest), c.1500, was a signal of alarm for fire or invasion, or to express dismay.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

backward

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

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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