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backward and forward

 - 3 dictionary results

back⋅ward

[bak-werd]
–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.
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


back⋅ward⋅ly, adverb
back⋅ward⋅ness, noun


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


1. forward.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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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 and forward

Also, backwards and forwards.

  1. Same as back and forth.

  2. Thoroughly, completely, as in He read the speech over and over, until he knew it backwards and forwards. [Late 1500s]

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