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backwards

/ˈbækwədz/

/ˈbækwɚdz/

backwardsadjective

more backwards

Comp.

most backwards

Super.

Used chiefly in attributive position, especially in fixed expressions such as "backwards compatibility".

Translations

en arrièreEmployé pour un mouvement ou une direction vers l’arrière.

The driver made a backwards movement out of the garage.

Le conducteur a fait un mouvement en arrière pour sortir du garage.

Additional translations

rétrogradeS’emploie au sens figuré pour un recul dans le progrès ou le développement.

Definitions

Directed toward the back; facing or moving rearward.

The driver made a backwards movement out of the garage.

Behind in progress, development, or sophistication; retrograde.

Many consider the policy a backwards step for civil rights.

backwardsadverb

Translations

en arrière

She stumbled backwards into the room.

Elle est entrée en titubant en arrière dans la pièce.

Additional translations

à reculonsS’emploie pour un déplacement physique vers l’arrière.

à reboursS’emploie surtout pour un ordre ou un sens inversé.

Definitions

In or toward the back or rear direction.

She stumbled backwards into the room.

In reverse order or direction; from end to beginning.

The word reads the same backwards.

Toward a less advanced or worse state.

The new regulations could push the industry backwards.

backnoun

Definitions

The rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips.

She had a tattoo on her back.

The part of a chair or seat that supports a person's back.

He leaned against the back of the chair.

The side or part of something that is away from the observer or from the direction in which it moves or faces; the rear.

The back of the house needs painting.

A player in a team game who plays in a defensive position behind the forwards.

The full back made a crucial tackle to stop the opposing team from scoring.

backwardadverb

backwards

/ˈbækwəd/

/ˈbækwɚd/

(also backwards mainly UK)

Definitions

Towards the direction that is opposite to the one in which you are facing or opposite to the usual direction.

He took a step backwards to allow her to pass.

Returning to older and less effective ways.

The breakdown in negotiations will be seen as a step backwards.

Synonyms

in the opposite direction

toward the rear

in reverse

Antonyms

in order

backadverb

backwards

/bæk/

Definitions

To a previous place or condition.

She went back to her hometown after many years.

In return or response.

He smiled back at her.

In reverse or opposite direction.

The car rolled back down the hill.

In or into the past.

Thinking back, I realize how much I've learned.

In a delayed or late manner.

The project was set back by several weeks.

Synonyms

again

once more

afresh

anew

backverb

Definitions

To support or endorse someone or something.

The committee decided to back the new policy proposal.

To provide financial support for something.

Several investors agreed to back the startup company.

To bet on the success of a competitor or team.

He decided to back the underdog in the race.

backadjective

Definitions

Located at or near the rear or hind part of something.

The back door was left open, allowing a cool breeze to enter the house.

Relating to the past or previous time.

She found an old diary in a back drawer of her desk.

Situated or placed at a distance from the front or main area.

The back seats of the theater were less expensive but offered a good view.

backwardadjective

Definitions

(old-fashioned, offensive) Underdeveloped or not advanced in terms of social, economic, or technological progress.

When he was a child, his teachers thought he was backward.

Directed or facing toward the back or rear.

The backward movement of the car surprised everyone.

(UK) Not doing something immediately or quickly, because you are nervous or not certain about it.

He said as a minister he would never be backward in reproving those whom he considered in the wrong.