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back·ward
 backward
- pronunciation:
- baek
w
 rd
- parts of speech:
- adverb, adjective
- phrases:
- backward and forward, lean over backward
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
adverb |
| definition 1: |
in the direction of or to the rear or back.
I pulled the swing backward and then let it go.- synonyms:
- rearward
- antonyms:
- ahead, forward, frontward
- similar words:
- aft, astern, behind, sternward
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| definition 2: |
with the back part or back side foremost or leading.
She was walking backward.- antonyms:
- frontward
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| definition 3: |
in reverse order; in a way that is the opposite of that which is usual.
The chairman called the roll backward.- synonyms:
- reversed
- similar words:
- counterclockwise, inside out, topsy-turvy, upside down
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| definition 4: |
toward or into an earlier time.
She looked backward at her youth.- antonyms:
- ahead, forward
- similar words:
- away
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| definition 5: |
toward a worse, less developed, or less efficient condition; retrogressively.
Our industry appears to be moving backward.- synonyms:
- downhill, retrogressively
- similar words:
- worse
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| phrase: |
backward and forward |
| phrase: |
lean over backward |
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| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
moving or directed toward the back, rear, or past.
She left her old school without a backward look.- synonyms:
- retrograde
- antonyms:
- forward, progressive
- similar words:
- rearward, recessive, retreating
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| definition 2: |
opposite of that which is usual; reverse.
a backward word order- synonyms:
- inverse, reverse
- similar words:
- counterclockwise, inside out, reversed, topsy-turvy, upside down
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| definition 3: |
progressing or advancing slowly.
a backward learner- antonyms:
- advanced, precocious
- similar words:
- behind, behindhand, retarded, slow, tardy
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| related words: |
laggard, reverse, stupid |
| derivations: |
backwardly (adv.), backwards (adv.), backwardness (n.) |
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