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Meaning of backward in English
Pronunciation
/ˈbækwərd/
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Classifying Adjective
backward
Definitions
1.
retarded in intellectual development
Synonyms
retarded
Adverb
backward
Definitions
1.
at or to or toward the back or rear
Examples
« he moved back »
« tripped when he stepped backward »
« she looked rearward out the window of the car »
Antonyms
forward
forwards
frontward
frontwards
forrad
forrard
2.
in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
Examples
« 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.
in or to or toward a past time
Examples
« set the clocks back an hour »
« never look back »
« lovers of the past looking fondly backward »
Antonyms
ahead
forward
ahead
forward
Qualitative Adjective
backward
Etymology
Middle English: from earlier abackward, from aback
Definitions
1.
directed or facing toward the back or rear
Examples
« a backward view »
Synonyms
backswept
sweptback
cacuminal
retroflex
converse
reversed
transposed
inverse
reverse
negative
rearward
reverse
receding(a)
reflexive
self-referent
retracted
retral
retrograde
retroflex
retroflexed
returning(a)
reversive
regardant(ip)
Antonyms
forward
2.
(used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature
Examples
« a backward lover »
Synonyms
bashful
blate
Antonyms
forward
See also
timid