backward

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English

Etymology

From Middle English bakwarde, abakward, equivalent to back (adverb) +‎ -ward.

Pronunciation

  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈbæk.wə(ɹ)d/
  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈbækwɚd/
  • Audio (AU):(file)

Adjective

backward (comparative more backward, superlative most backward)

  1. (of motion) In the direction towards the back.
    They left without a backward glance.
  2. (of motion) In the direction reverse of normal.
    The occasional backward movement of planets is evidence they revolve around the sun.
    Synonym: retrograde
  3. Reluctant or unable to advance.
    • 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, chapter 51
      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.
    • 2003, Mortgage Magazine, "Media Prospecting"
      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.
  4. Of a culture: undeveloped or unsophisticated.
    • 2006, Tom Donnelly, Armed Forces Journal, "Back to Mogadishu?"
      Most cruelly, the immediate security interests of the United States and the states surrounding Somalia are now to keep it a failed state, to prevent Islamists from consolidating even a weak state centered on Mogadishu. The leader of the victorious faction, one Aden Hashi 'Ayro, is said to be a veteran of Afghanistan; he knows well what a small sanctuary in a backward corner of the globe can mean for al Qaeda.
    Synonym: third world
    Antonym: forward
  5. Outdated.
    Synonyms: antediluvian, antiquated, backwards, fogyish, old-fashioned, outdated, out of date, parachronistic, retrograde, unprogressive
    Antonym: progressive
  6. (cricket) On that part of the field behind the batsman's popping crease.
  7. (cricket) Further behind the batsman's popping crease than something else.
  8. (obsolete) Unwilling; averse; reluctant.
    • (Can we date this quote by Alexander Pope and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      For wiser brutes were backward to be slaves.
  9. Slow to apprehend; having difficulties in learning.
    a backward child
  10. Late or behindhand.
    a backward season
    • 1848, Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton:
      " […] I've a job of work to finish tonight; mourning, as must be in time for the funeral to-morrow; and grandfather has been out moss- hunting, and will not be home till late."
      "Oh, how charming it will be! I'll help you if you're backward. Have you much to do?"
  11. (obsolete) Already past or gone; bygone.
    • (Can we date this quote by Byron and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      and flies unconscious o'er each backward year

Derived terms

Translations

Adverb

backward (comparative more backward, superlative most backward)

  1. (of motion) In the direction towards the back; backwards
    to walk or ride backward
    to throw the arms backward
  2. Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.
    • (Can we date this quote by John Locke and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      some reigns backward
  3. By way of reflection; reflexively.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Sir J. Davies to this entry?)
  4. From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin.
    • (Can we date this quote by Dryden and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      The work went backward.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations

Noun

backward

  1. The state behind or past.
    • (Can we date this quote by Shakespeare and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      In the dark backward and abysm of time.

Translations

Anagrams

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