backwards
adjectiveadverbverbcommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈbækwɜːdz//
- United States//ˈbækwɜɹdz//
Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
adjective
- 1
Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
As I stand to address them they take a fearful step backwards with their hands outstretched in placating gestures.
Etymology
From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).
adverb
- 1
Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
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!
My train back is a Class 800 bi-mode. These are not too bad, except for their awful seats - compared with the seats on the HST, they are a step backwards.
Etymology
From Middle English bakwardis, bakwardis, a variant of Middle English bakwarde, bakward (“backward”). Equivalent to backward + -s. Compare Saterland Frisian bäkove (“backwards”).
verb
- 1
Also a form of backwardthird-person singular simple present indicative of backward
Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Forms
- comparative
- more backwards
- superlative
- most backwards
backwards · Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
backyard · A yard to the rear of a house or similar residence.bacon · Cured meat from the sides, belly, or back of a pig.Bacon · A surname.