backward Definition

backward
adj

1. Directed behind or towards the back.
2. Less advanced than normal in mental, physical or intellectual development.

Thesaurus: retarded, stupid, slow-witted, dense, dull, unsophisticated, illiterate, provincial underdeveloped, hick (US slang), underprivileged, underbred, subnormal; Antonym: smart, advanced.
3. Reluctant or shy.

Thesaurus: reticent, shy, bashful, hesitant, retiring, withdrawn, shrinking; Antonym: outgoing.

adverb

1. Backwards.

Derivative: backwardness
noun

Etymology: 13c: originally a variant of abackward.

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backwards
backward
adverb

1. Towards the back or rear.

Thesaurus: rearward, astern, back, behind; Antonym: forward, onward.
2. With one's back facing the direction of movement.

Example: walk backwards out of the room
3. In reverse order.

Example: counting backwards
4. In or into a worse state.

Example: felt her career going backwards

Idiom: backwards and forwards

First in one direction, and then in the opposite direction.

Idiom: bend over backwards (fall over backwards, lean over backwards)

colloq
To try extremely hard to please or accommodate someone.

Idiom: know something backwards

colloq
To know it thoroughly.

Etymology: 16c: from backward.