backward
pronunciation
How to pronounce backward in British English:
UK [ˈbækwəd]
How to pronounce backward in American English:
US [ˈbækwərd]
-
- Adjective:
- directed or facing toward the back or rear
- (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature
- retarded in intellectual development
-
- Adverb:
- at or to or toward the back or rear
- in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
- in or to or toward a past time
Word Origin
- backward (adv.)
- c. 1300, from abakward, from Old English on bæc (see back (adv.)) + -weard adjectival and adverbial suffix (see -ward). Old English had the adverb bæcling. As an adjective, from 1550s. Meaning "behindhand with regard to progress" is first attested 1690s. To ring bells backward (from lowest to highest), c. 1500, was a signal of alarm for fire or invasion, or to express dismay. Another Middle English word for "backward, wrongly" was arseward (c. 1400); Old English had earsling.
Synonym
opposite reversionary topsyturvy refluent upside-down retrogressive returning inside-out reversed counter-clockwise anticlockwise reverse
senseless stupid irrational doltish idiotic asinine witless slack inept foolish dull imbecile feeble-minded silly tardy behindhand simple retarded behind slow rinky-dink impeded laggard rustic
reserved averse obdurate timid disinclined reticent shy refractory perverse reluctant pervicacious balky hesitant unruly wavering wayward stubborn bashful loath demure unwilling loathful mulish recalcitrant
Example
- 1. Being categorized ' backward ' in india is no guarantee of benefits .
- 2. Chico has spidery , narrow petals that bend gracefully backward .
- 3. It turned out to be a step backward .
- 4. His electric meter actually runs backward thus reducing his bill .
- 5. As the fluid is forced backward , the jellies are thrust forward .