• Dictionary
  • List of exercises
  • Exercises by level

Meaning of backward in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈbækwərd/

    US accent Play buttonYour browser does not support the audio element.

    How to pronounce backward in American English, in context ▾
    Use the controls below Controls button to browse different examples of pronunciation.

    UK accent Play buttonYour browser does not support the audio element.

    How to pronounce backward in British English, in context ▾
    Use the controls below Controls button to browse different examples of pronunciation.
  1. Classifying Adjective

    backward

    Definitions

    1. retarded in intellectual development

    Synonyms

    • retarded
  2. 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
  3. 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 »
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 2. (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature

    Examples

    • « a backward lover »

    Synonyms

    • bashful
    • blate

    Antonyms

    • forward

See also

  • timid

Navigation

    Books Teacher Resources About Contact

Lessons

    Beginner Intermediate Advanced
© 2021, NAGEL PTY LTD 🇦🇺 • Terms • Privacy