English adjective: backward | |||
1. | backward directed or facing toward the back or rear | ||
Samples | A backward view. | ||
Similar | backswept, cacuminal, converse, inverse, rearward, receding, reflexive, regardant, retracted, retral, retroflex, retroflex, retroflexed, retrograde, returning, reverse, reverse, reversed, reversive, self-referent, sweptback, transposed | ||
See also | regressive, retrospective | ||
Antonyms | forward | ||
2. | backward (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature | ||
Samples | A backward lover. | ||
Similar | bashful, blate | ||
See also | timid | ||
Antonyms | forward | ||
3. | backward retarded in intellectual development | ||
Synonyms | feebleminded, half-witted, slow-witted | ||
Similar | retarded | ||
Domain usage | archaicism, archaism | ||
Antonyms | precocious | ||
4. | backward having made less than normal progress | ||
Samples | An economically backward country. | ||
Similar | adynamic, undynamic | ||
Antonyms | dynamic, dynamical | ||
English adverb: backward | |||
1. | backward at or to or toward the back or rear | ||
Samples | He moved back. Tripped when he stepped backward. She looked rearward out the window of the car. | ||
Synonyms | back, backwards, rearward, rearwards | ||
Antonyms | forrad, forrard, forward, forwards, frontward, frontwards | ||
2. | backward in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal | ||
Samples | It's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege'. The child put her jersey on backward. | ||
Synonyms | backwards | ||
3. | backward in or to or toward a past time | ||
Samples | Set the clocks back an hour. Never look back. Lovers of the past looking fondly backward. | ||
Synonyms | back | ||
Antonyms | ahead, forward | ||