backward

[ bak-werd ]
/ ˈbæk wərd /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR backward ON THESAURUS.COM

adverb Also back·wards.

adjective

Idioms for backward

    backward and forward, thoroughly: He knew his lesson backward and forward. Also backwards and forwards.

Origin of backward

First recorded in 1250–1300, backward is from the Middle English word bakwarde. See back1, -ward

OTHER WORDS FROM backward

back·ward·ly, adverb back·ward·ness, noun un·back·ward, adjective

Words nearby backward

backsword, backswordman, backtrack, backup, backup light, backward, backward and forward, backward heart failure, backwardation, backwards, backwash

Words related to backward and forward

seesaw, zigzag

British Dictionary definitions for backward and forward

backward
/ (ˈbækwəd) /

adjective

(usually prenominal) directed towards the rear a backward glance
retarded in physical, material, or intellectual development backward countries; a backward child
  1. of or relating to the past; conservative or reactionary
  2. (in combination)backward-looking
reluctant or bashful a backward lover
chess (of a pawn) behind neighbouring pawns and unable to be supported by them

adverb

a variant of backwards

Derived forms of backward

backwardly, adverb backwardness, noun

Idioms and Phrases with backward and forward (1 of 2)

backward and forward

Also, backwards and forwards.

1

Same as back and forth.

2

Thoroughly, completely, as in He read the speech over and over, until he knew it backwards and forwards. [Late 1500s]

Idioms and Phrases with backward and forward (2 of 2)

backward