Meaning & Definition of Backward in English
English⟶
Backward
/bækwərd/
adjective
1. Directed or facing toward the back or rear
- "A backward view"
synonym:
- backward
2. (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature
- "A backward lover"
synonym:
- backward
3. Retarded in intellectual development
synonym:
- backward,
- half-witted,
- slow-witted,
- feebleminded
4. Having made less than normal progress
- "An economically backward country"
synonym:
- backward
adverb
1. At or to or toward the back or rear
- "He moved back"
- "Tripped when he stepped backward"
- "She looked rearward out the window of the car"
synonym:
- back,
- backward,
- backwards,
- rearward,
- rearwards
2. In a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
- "It's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege'"
- "The child put her jersey on backward"
synonym:
- backward,
- backwards
3. In or to or toward a past time
- "Set the clocks back an hour"
- "Never look back"
- "Lovers of the past looking fondly backward"
synonym:
- back,
- backward
Examples of using
Tom glanced backward over his shoulder and waved goodbye.
She is backward in expressing her opinion.
He fell backward.