Dictionary
1backward
adverb back·ward \ˈbak-wərd\
: toward the back : to or toward what is behind
: opposite to the usual way : in reverse
: toward the past
Full Definition of BACKWARD
1
a : toward the back b : with the back foremost
2
a : in a reverse or contrary direction or way b : toward the past c : toward a worse state
— bend over backward or lean over backward
: to make extreme efforts (as at concession)
See backward defined for English-language learners
See backward defined for kids
Variants of BACKWARD
back·ward or back·wards \-wərdz\
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First Known Use of BACKWARD
14th century
2backward
adjective
: directed or turned toward the back
: done backward
: behind others : not as advanced as others in learning or development
Full Definition of BACKWARD
1
a : directed or turned backward b : done or executed backward
3
: retarded in development
— back·ward·ly adverb
— back·ward·ness noun
See backward defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BACKWARD
14th century
Related to BACKWARD
- Synonyms
- rearward, retrograde
- Antonyms
- extroverted (also extraverted), immodest, outgoing
3backward
noun
Definition of BACKWARD
: the part behind or past
First Known Use of BACKWARD
1610
BACKWARD Defined for Kids
1backward
adverb back·ward \ˈbak-wərd\
Definition of BACKWARD for Kids
1
: toward the back <look backward>
2
: with the back first <ride backward>
3
: opposite to the usual way <count backward>
Variants of BACKWARD
back·ward or back·wards \-wərdz\
2backward
adjective
Definition of BACKWARD for Kids
1
: turned toward the back <He wears a backward baseball cap.>
2
: done backward <a backward flip>
3
: not as advanced in learning and development as others <Perhaps the strange language made him appear more backward than he really was … — Robert Louis Stevenson, Kidnapped>
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