Definition Definition

backward - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'backward' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Backward [ a.]
- Directed to the back or rear; as, backward glances.
- Unwilling; averse; reluctant; hesitating; loath.
- Not well advanced in learning; not quick of apprehension; dull; inapt; as, a backward child.
- Late or behindhand; as, a backward season.
- Not advanced in civilization; undeveloped; as, the country or region is in a backward state.
- Already past or gone; bygone.
2 . Backward [ adv.]
- Alt. of Backwards
3 . Backward [ n.]
- The state behind or past.
4 . Backward [ v. i.]
- To keep back; to hinder.

Meaning of 'backward' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . backward [ a]
Meaning (1):
- (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature
Example in sentence:
  • a backward lover
Meaning (2):
- directed or facing toward the back or rear
Example in sentence:
  • a backward view
3 . backward [ r]
Meaning (3):
- at or to or toward the back or rear
Example in sentence:
  • he moved back;
  • she looked rearward out the window of the car;
  • tripped when he stepped backward
Meaning (4):
- in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
Example in sentence:
  • it's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege';
  • the child put her jersey on backward
Meaning (5):
- in or to or toward a past time
Example in sentence:
  • lovers of the past looking fondly backward;
  • never look back;
  • set the clocks back an hour
6 . backward [ s]
Meaning (6):
- having made less than normal progress
Example in sentence:
  • an economically backward country