Definition of Backward
Backward
back·ward
Definition/Meaning
(adverb)
towards the rear or back;
e.g. He looked backward to see if I was following him. She walked backward so she could look at us while talking.
(adverb)
towards the past, often in a negative way that opposes progress;
e.g. He looked backward with nostalgia and tried to return things to the way they used to be, without considering the problems.
(adverb)
in a contrary, opposite, or reverse manner or direction;
e.g. They tried to answer the question backward, first listing things that weren't the answer.
(adverb)
to a worse or less advanced state/stage;
e.g. The project has moved backward since we have found additional problems with our design.
(adjective)
turned or directed towards the rear/back, or executed towards the back;
e.g. She took a backward step to let us through the door.
(adjective)
looking to the past, often in a way that opposes progress;
e.g. They took one backward glance and then abandoned their old ideas.
(adjective)
at a less advanced or developed state/stage relative to others, showing less progress;
e.g. The organization helps economically backward groups of people by providing them with resources and education.
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