backward

/'bækwəd/
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backward

A child puts her jersey on backward.

Definition

  1. Adjective:

    • Directed towards the back or rear: Facing or moving in the direction opposite to the front or the usual direction of travel.
    • Less advanced than normal or expected: Having made less than normal progress, especially in economic, social, or intellectual development.
    • Hesitant or reluctant: Marked by shyness, reserve, or a lack of confidence in social situations.

  2. Adverb:

    • Towards the back or rear: In the direction behind or to the rear.
    • Towards the past: In or into a past time or state.
    • In reverse order or manner: With the back or less usual part foremost; in a way that is the opposite of the normal or correct order.
Usage Examples

  • Adjective:

    • She gave a backward glance over her shoulder. (She looked towards the rear.)
    • The region remained backward due to a lack of investment. (The region was less developed.)
    • He was too backward to ask her to dance. (He was too shy or hesitant.)

  • Adverb:

    • He took a step backward. (He moved a step to the rear.)
    • The policy was seen as a step backward for civil rights. (The policy was a regression to a worse past state.)
    • You've put your sweater on backward. (You are wearing it with the back part at the front.)
Advanced Usage
  • "backward and forward": thoroughly, in every detail; to and fro.
    • He knew the procedure backward and forward. (He knew it completely and perfectly.)
  • "bend over backward": to make a great effort, especially to be fair or helpful.
    • The company bent over backward to accommodate the client's request. (The company tried extremely hard.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Backwards (adverb): This is a common variant form of the adverb "backward." The two are often used interchangeably.
    • He walked backwards to the door.
  • Backwardness (noun): The state or quality of being backward.
    • The backwardness of the infrastructure hindered growth.
Synonyms
  • Adjective (rear-facing): Rearward, reverse.
  • Adjective (underdeveloped): Underdeveloped, undeveloped, primitive.
  • Adjective (hesitant): Shy, timid, reticent, diffident.
  • Adverb (to the rear): Back, rearward, backwards.
  • Adverb (in reverse): In reverse, wrong way round.
Antonyms
  • Adjective: Forward, advanced, progressive, confident.
  • Adverb: Forward, forwards, ahead.
Related Phrases
  • Know something backward(s): To know something perfectly and completely.
    • She knows the rules backward.
  • A backward step: A regression or move to a worse state.
    • Closing the library would be a backward step for the community.
backward

A child puts her jersey on backward.

Adjective
  1. having made less than normal progress
    • an economically backward country
  2. retarded in intellectual development
  3. (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature
    • a backward lover
  4. directed or facing toward the back or rear
    • a backward view
Adverb
  1. in or to or toward a past time
    • set the clocks back an hour
    • never look back
    • lovers of the past looking fondly backward
  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
  3. 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

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