backwardsbackward[adverb]Synonyms: towards the rear, behind, in reverse, rearward
[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲
back‧wards S3 /ˈbækwədz $ -wərdz/ (
also backward /-wəd $ -wərd/
American English)
adverb1. in the direction that is behind you
Antonym : forwards:
Hannah took a step backward.
She pushed me and I fell backwards into the chair.2. towards the beginning or the past
Antonym : forwards:
Count backwards from 100.3. with the back part in front:
Your T-shirt is on backwards.4. towards a worse state
Antonym : forwards:
The new measures are seen by some as a major step backwards.5. backwards and forwards first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, usually many times:
Kip stumbled backwards and forwards before falling down.6. bend/lean over backwards (to do something) to try as hard as possible to help or please someone:
City officials bent over backwards to help downtown businesses.7. know something backwards British English know something backwards and forwards American English to know something very well or perfectly:
She practiced her part until she knew it backwards and forwards. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲