Backward

/ˈbæk.wə(ɹ)d/ · adjective

Meaning

Indicating position or direction..

Definitions by Sense

1. Indicating position or direction.
2. (figuratively) Expressing lack of development or advancement.
3. (often in negative constructions) Reluctant or unwilling to advance or act; shy.
4. (chess) Of a pawn, further behind than pawns of the same colour on adjacent files and unable to be moved forward safely.
5. (cricket) On that part of the field behind the batsman's popping crease.
6. (cricket) Further behind the batsman's popping crease than something else.
7. (obsolete) Unwilling; averse; reluctant.
8. (obsolete) Already past or gone; bygone.

Example Sentences

She certainly isn’t backward in coming forward!

Then her eyes, always alert for the affairs of her kitchen, fell on some action of the Chinese cook which aroused her violent disapproval. She turned on him with a torrent of abuse. The Chink was not backward to defend himself, and a very lively quarrel ensued.

Don’t be backward in suggesting story ideas to local media but always think of the wants, needs and desires of their readers when selling-in story ideas.

For wiser brutes were backward to be slaves.

The soul forgets her schemes of Hope and Pride, / and flies unconscious o'er each backward year.

The passenger turned around and walked backward, towards the tail of the aircraft.

He tilted his head backward.

The grandfather clock toppled backward and crashed to the ground.

Synonyms for backward

Antonyms for backward

Related Words

Word Forms

• more backward
• most backward
• backwards
• backwarding
• backwarded

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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