Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In the reverse of the usual or natural direction or order: Moving, facing, or oriented toward the back or rear.
   • Toward the past: In a way that returns to an earlier or less advanced state, condition, or time.
   • In a manner that is opposite to the usual or expected progression: Doing something from the end toward the beginning.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:
  • He walked backwards to see if he had dropped anything. (He moved in the direction behind him.)
  • The video was playing backwards, making the scene look strange. (The video was running from the end to the start.)
  • She spelled the word backwards by mistake. (She wrote the letters in reverse order.)

Advanced Usage

• "to know something backwards (and forwards)": To know something extremely well, in every detail.
  • She knows the procedure backwards; she could do it in her sleep.
• "to bend over backwards": To make a very great effort, especially to be helpful or fair.
  • The company bent over backwards to accommodate the customer's request.

Variants and Related Words

• Backward (adjective & adverb): Often used interchangeably with "backwards" as an adverb, especially in American English. As an adjective, it means directed toward the back, reversed, or reluctant.
  • He took a backward glance. (adjective)
  • The country was seen as technologically backward. (adjective, meaning less advanced)
• Backwardness (noun): The state of being less developed or advanced.

Synonyms

• Rearward: Toward the back.
• In reverse: In the opposite direction or order.
• Retrograde: Moving backward, especially to a worse state.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Backwards" itself is not typically a component of phrasal verbs, but it modifies actions.) - Fall backwards: To fall onto one's back. - He lost his balance and fell backwards. - Lean backwards: To incline one's body toward the rear. - Lean backwards in your chair carefully.

Related Idioms

• Backwards and forwards: Thoroughly, in every detail; also, moving in one direction and then the opposite.
  • I've studied this map backwards and forwards. (I know it thoroughly.)
• Do something with one's eyes closed/backwards: To be able to do something very easily due to great familiarity.
  • He can assemble that engine backwards.

Adverb

1. 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
2. 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