backwards

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English[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

From backward +‎ -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).

Adjective[edit]

backwards (comparative more backwards, superlative most backwards)

  1. Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
Derived terms[edit]

Etymology 2[edit]

From Middle English bakwardis, bakwardis, a variant of Middle English bakwarde, bakward (“backward”). Equivalent to backward +‎ -s. Compare Saterland Frisian bäkove (“backwards”).

Adverb[edit]

backwards (comparative more backwards, superlative most backwards)

  1. Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
    • 1944 May and June, “When the Circle was Steam Operated”, in Railway Magazine, page 150:
      The length of the stoppages could not well be reduced; indeed, they are already too short if we are to believe the tale now current of a wandering Jew sort of passenger—a lady of advanced years who can only alight from a train backwards. Every time she begins to get out a porter rushes up crying "Hurry up, ma'am; train's going!"—and pushes her in again!
Derived terms[edit]
Related terms[edit]
Other terms using the suffix -wards

Anagrams[edit]

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