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backwards

SayBAK-wurdzUS/ˈbækwɝdz/UK/ˈbækwɜːdz/

3 meanings of backwards

Practice

  1. 1
    adverb
    Toward the back, or in the reverse of the usual direction.

    Like walking back toward where you started without turning around.

    She took a step backwards when the dog growled at her.

    He counted backwards from ten before opening his eyes.

    Similarbackward

    Oppositeforwards, forward

    Note
  2. 2
    adjective
    Facing toward the back, or behind others in progress.

    He gave a backwards glance before leaving the room.

    Their farming methods seemed backwards compared to the newer ones.

    Similarbackward

    Oppositeforward, progressive

    Note
  3. 3
    verbdated
    Form of backward used with he, she, it, or a singular noun. An old verb meaning to hold back or delay.
    Note

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Origins

Meaning 2

This word is 'backward' plus '-s'. The '-s' ending is used to make some adverbs.

Meaning 1

From Middle English 'bakwardis', a form of 'bakward' meaning 'backward'.