backward
adjective
1. directed or facing toward the back or rear
- a backward view
Similar word(s): backswept, sweptback, cacuminal, retroflex, converse, reversed, transposed, inverse, reverse, rearward, receding, reflexive, regardant, retracted, retral, retrograde, retroflexed, returning, reversive, regressive, retrospective
2. (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature
- a backward lover
Similar word(s): bashful, blate, timid
3. retarded in intellectual development
Similar word(s): feebleminded
4. having made less than normal progress
- an economically backward country
Similar word(s): adynamic, undynamic
Sentences with backward as an adjective:
- They left without a backward glance.
- The occasional backward movement of planets is evidence they revolve around the sun.
- a backward child
- a backward season
adverb
1. at or to or toward the back or rear
- he moved back
- tripped when he stepped backward
Similar word(s): back, backwards, rearward, rearwards
2. in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
- it's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege'
- the child put her jersey on backward
Similar word(s): backwards
3. in or to or toward a past time
- set the clocks back an hour
- never look back
- lovers of the past looking fondly backward
Similar word(s): back
Sentences with backward as an adverb:
- to walk or ride backward; to throw the arms backward
noun
1. The state behind or past.