Backwards

/ˈbæk.wərdz/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Moving or directed toward the back.

The backwards movement of the car caused a minor accident.

Characterized by or leading to a return to a previous state or regression.

The backwards trend in the economy is concerning to many analysts.

adverb

In the direction that is opposite to the front; toward the back.

She walked backwards to see if anyone was following her.

In a manner that reverses the usual order or direction.

The complex algorithm would run backwards, tracing its steps.

In the reverse order that things are usually done; in a retrogressive way.

He was thinking backwards about the problem, starting from the conclusion.

The word 'backwards' comes from combining 'back' + 'wards', indicating direction away from the front.

backwards and forwards:

To move in both directions repeatedly.

think backwards:

To consider the consequences or results before the action.

look backwards:

To reflect on past events.

To go in reverse in a situation.

After that argument, he was really going backwards in their relationship.

An old-fashioned way of thinking or acting.

His opinions are so backwards, it's like he's living in the past.