Home / Dictionary / backward

backward

/ˈbæk.wə(ɹ)d/
noun
  1. The state behind or past.

adjective
  1. (of motion) In the direction towards the back.

    "They left without a backward glance."

  2. (of motion) In the direction reverse of normal.

    "The occasional backward movement of planets is evidence they revolve around the sun."

    Similar: retrograde

  3. Reluctant or unable to advance.

SynonymsThird World, developing, antediluvian, antiquated, backwards, parachronistic
AntonymsFirst World, developed, forward, progressive
adverb
  1. (of motion) In the direction towards the back; backwards

    "to throw the arms backward"

  2. Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.

  3. By way of reflection; reflexively.

Synonymsbackwards
Antonymsforward, forwards

Practice "backward" in context

WordNote uses spaced repetition across multiple quiz levels, from recognizing the meaning to recalling it in active practice.

Save to WordNote — it's free →

No credit card. No install required.

backward — meaning, definition & examples | WordNote | WordNote