backward definition - Dictionary

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backward sloping supply curve

backward tumble turn start

backwardation

backwards

backwash

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backward

back·ward [ bákwərd ]

adjective

Definition:

1. toward rear: facing or turned in the opposite direction to somebody or something

2. reversed: positioned the opposite way around, arranged in the opposite order, or proceeding in the opposite direction to the normal one

3. not achieving usual or expected standard: lagging behind the progress and development of others of comparable status ( sometimes considered offensive )

a backward economy

4. retrograde: causing or representing a return to a previous or less advanced, and usually less satisfactory, state

a backward step developmentally

5. toward past: directed toward the past

a backward look over the city's progress during the last century

6. shy: shy or lacking in self-confidence

adverb

Definition:

1. back first: so as to have the back facing in the direction of movement

She walked backward out of the room.

2. toward rear: behind somebody or in a direction away from the front of something

I reached backward until I felt my fingers touch the wall.

3. wrong way around: in the reverse order or direction from the usual

You've got your shirt on backward.

4. toward past: toward or into the past

Critics accused the report of going backward in time

5. into worse condition: into a state that is worse or less advanced than the previous or original one

Everything's gone backward since the new committee took over.

back·ward·ly adverb

back·ward·ness noun

backward and forward in one direction and then in the other

traveling backward and forward between New York and Los Angeles
U.K. term backwards and forwards

bend or fall or lean over backward to make an exceptional effort to do something, especially to help or please somebody

I felt uncomfortable although everybody bent over backward to make me feel welcome.

Word Usage


	backward or backwards? Backward is the only form available for the adjective: a backward glance.Backward is more common in adverbial use as well, but in other parts of the English-speaking world backwards is more usual for the adverb. The vehicle moved slowly backward/backwards.