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backward

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈbækwɚd/ · UK /ˈbækwəd/

Forms: backwards

backward means: In the direction behind you, or opposite to the usual direction of movement.

adverb

IN REVERSEA2

In the direction behind you, or opposite to the usual direction of movement.

  • He walked backward slowly.
  • She tilted her head backward to look at the sky.
  • The car rolled backward down the hill.

Similar words: backwards, back

Opposites: forward

Common phrases: walk backward, lean backward, step backward

TOWARDS REARB2

At or towards the back part of something.

  • The passengers moved backward towards the aircraft's tail.
  • The cargo was placed farther backward in the ship.
  • She walked backward through the cabin, facing the rear exit.

Similar words: rearward, towards the back

Opposites: forward

Common phrases: move backward, farther backward, walk backward

adjective

REVERSE MOVEMENTB1

Moving or directed towards the back, away from the direction you face.

  • She took a backward step.
  • A sudden backward movement made him lose his balance.
  • He gave the house one last backward glance.

Similar words: rearward

Opposites: forward

Common phrases: backward step, backward glance, backward movement

AT REARC2

Located in the part furthest from the front.

  • Water gathered in the backward part of the tank.
  • The backward section of the vessel held the supplies.
  • They inspected the backward compartment first.

Similar words: rear, back

Opposites: front

Common phrases: backward part, backward section

preposition

FACING BACKB1

Facing towards the back instead of the front.

  • The seat was facing backward.
  • She installed the child's car seat facing backward.
  • The child sat facing backward in the car.

Similar words: backwards

Opposites: forward

Common phrases: facing backward, turned backward, pointing backward

Questions about backward

What does backward mean?

In the direction behind you, or opposite to the usual direction of movement.

What is backward in other languages?

Türkçe: geriye · Español: hacia atrás · Français: en arrière · Deutsch: rückwärts · Italiano: all'indietro · 日本語: 後ろへ

How do you pronounce backward?

In American English /ˈbækwɚd/; in British English /ˈbækwəd/.

How do you use backward in a sentence?

He walked backward slowly. She tilted her head backward to look at the sky.

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