WordGarden.iobackward
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈækwəd/
US
- /ˈbækwərd/
Meanings
Adverb
toward the rear or in the reverse direction
Adjective
not advanced, modern, or progressive; lagging behind current standards
dated and often offensive: slow to learn or mentally underdeveloped
Beyond the definition
Imagine trying to walk while only looking behind you—that's the essence of backward! It describes moving or facing the direction opposite to what is considered forward or normal. A child learning to write might accidentally flip their letters backward, making a "b" look like a "d". Beyond physical motion, the word applies to sequences; sometimes things happen backward, with the end coming before the beginning. You can also use it figuratively: "He took a backward step in his career" suggests a regression or a setback rather than progress.
The word "backward" describes movement, position, or progression that is reversed from the typical forward direction. While the most literal example is a car moving in reverse, "backward" extends to any process that feels inverted.
In an educational context, a student might write letters backward, confusing mirror-image characters like "p" and "q". Figuratively, the word signifies a lack of progress or a return to a worse state. For instance, saying "The country took several steps backward regarding environmental protection" implies that new policies have undone previous progress. It is also used to describe places or systems perceived as old-fashioned or less advanced, such as a "backward village" that has not yet integrated modern technology.
In older literature, "backward" was sometimes used to describe someone who was shy, reserved, or "backward in their ways." While you may still see this usage, it is important to note that calling a person or culture "backward" can be considered insensitive or derogatory today. Ultimately, whether describing a physical path, a lapse in development, or a tendency to dwell on the past, "backward" always points away from the future and toward what has already been or what lies behind.
Examples
- 1
Physical movement
He took a step backward to let her pass.
- 2
Media playback
The video started playing backward by mistake.
- 3
Counting
Count backward from ten, and then open your eyes.
- 4
Looking back
She glanced backward to make sure her bag was still there.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Community decision
Closing the community center would be a backward step for the town.
- Phrasebackward step
a change that makes things worse, not better
- 6
Development comparison
Some rural areas still feel backward compared with the capital.
- Caution
backward can sound insulting when it means less developed or less modern
- 7
Shyness
He was too backward to speak up in front of the class.
See also
Similar
- rearward
- reverse
Shades of meaning
- retrograde
- rear-facing
Contrast
- forward
- frontward
Used with (collocations)
- backward step
- backward glance
- backward motion
Word family
- backwards
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- backwardadjectiveadverb