backwardness

[bak-werd]

back·ward

[bak-werd]
adverb Also, back·wards.
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.

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Backwardness is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
10.
backward and forward, thoroughly: He knew his lesson backward and forward. Also, backwards and forwards.

Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English bakwarde. See back1, -ward

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


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


1. forward.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To backwardness
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World English Dictionary
backward (ˈbækwəd)
 
adj
1.  (usually prenominal) directed towards the rear: a backward glance
2.  retarded in physical, material, or intellectual development: backward countries; a backward child
3.  a.  of or relating to the past; conservative or reactionary
 b.  (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
 
adv
6.  a variant of backwards
 
'backwardly
 
adv
 
'backwardness
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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