Backward

Quick meaning: Backward is an adjective meaning Indicating position or direction.

Meaning

Indicating position or direction.

More Meanings

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

Example Sentences

He tilted his head backward.

For wiser brutes were backward to be slaves.

She certainly isn’t backward in coming forward!

The grandfather clock toppled backward and crashed to the ground.

Word Forms

• backwards
• backwarding
• backwarded

Synonyms for backward

Depending on context, synonyms include rearward, retrograde, contrariwise, reversedly, switched, crude.

Antonyms for backward

Common opposites include forward, forwards, ahead, forrard, frontwards, forrad.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include rearward, back, retral, reversed, reverse, retrograde.

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