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

Nearby Words:

bac baccalaureate baccara baccarat baccare baccate baccated bacchanal bacchanalia bacchanalian

See 'backward' also in:

Dictionary.com Google Translator Wikipedia.com Merriam Webster

Related Definitions

  • Backward Integration
    Backward Integration refers to the process through which a corporation buys or joins with other companies that produce the raw materials it needs to make its final outcome.
  • Backwardation
    Backwardation is a market condition in which futures prices are lower in the distant delivery months than in the nearest delivery month. This may occur when the costs of storing the product until eventual delivery are effectively subtracted from the price today. The opposite
  • Backward chaining
    Backward chaining, in which the inference engine begins with a goal, or hypothesis, and searches for data to support this goal. Since it is the goal that ...
  • Backward invention
    Backward invention means reintroducing earlier product forms that can be well adapted to a foreign country’s needs.

Categories

Browse Dictionary