Cool MateMeaning of Backward
directed or moving towards the back
In simple words: Going in the direction opposite to where you are facing.
Backward in a sentence
- She strode past him **without a backward glance**.
- She felt that going back to live in her home town would be a backward step.
- a backward part of the country, with no paved roads and no electricity
- She's not **backward in coming forward** *(= she's not shy)*.
How to use Backward
Use 'backward' to describe movement or position. It’s appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but less common in positive situations; often used in negative or cautionary remarks.
Grammar pattern
standalone adjective
Memory hint
Think of 'back' in 'backward' — imagine walking back instead of forward.
Related words
Synonyms for Backward
- retrograde
Opposites of Backward
Common mistakes with Backward
- 'Backward' vs 'backwards' confusion, especially in British vs American English.
- Using 'backward' to describe a person negatively (this can be considered offensive).
- Confusing the spelling with 'backwardness'.
Backward appears in
Backward in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
خلف، إلى الوراء
الذهاب في الاتجاه المعاكس لما تواجهه.
- Bengaliবাংলা
পেছনে
যে দিকে আপনি মুখ করে আছেন তার বিপরীত দিকে যাওয়া।
- GermanDeutsch
rückwärts
In die entgegengesetzte Richtung dessen, dem man ins Gesicht schaut.
- SpanishEspañol
Hacia atrás
Ir en la dirección opuesta a donde estás mirando.
- Persianفارسی
عقب, رو به عقب
رفتن در جهتی مخالف جایی که روبروی شماست.
- FrenchFrançais
En arrière, Arriéré
Qui va dans le sens inverse de là où tu regardes.
- Hindiहिन्दी
पिछड़ा
उस दिशा में जाना जिसके विपरीत आप देख रहे हैं।
- ItalianItaliano
Indietro
Che va nella direzione opposta a quella in cui si è rivolti.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Para trás, atrasado
Indo na direção oposta à que você está virado.
- RussianРусский
Назад
Движение в направлении, противоположном тому, куда вы смотрите.
- Urduاردو
Backward
Going in the direction opposite to where you are facing.
- Chinese中文
向后
朝着与你面对的方向相反的方向走。
More words like Backward
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- AbilityA2
the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- AbleA2
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
- AbroadA2
In or to a country that is not one's own.
- AbsoluteB2
total and complete
- AbsolutelyB1
used to emphasize that something is completely true
People also search for
- Backward meaning
- meaning of Backward
- Backward definition
- define Backward
- what does Backward mean
- Backward means
- how to use Backward
Frequently asked questions about Backward
What does Backward mean?
Going in the direction opposite to where you are facing.
What is the definition of Backward?
directed or moving towards the back
How do you use Backward in a sentence?
She strode past him **without a backward glance**.
Can you give another example of Backward?
She felt that going back to live in her home town would be a backward step.
What are synonyms for Backward?
Common alternatives include retrograde.
What is the opposite of Backward?
Opposite meanings include forward.
What words go with Backward?
It commonly pairs with be, seem, extremely, fairly, very.
What are common mistakes when using Backward?
'Backward' vs 'backwards' confusion, especially in British vs American English. Using 'backward' to describe a person negatively (this can be considered offensive). Confusing the spelling with 'backwardness'.
How do you pronounce Backward?
US: /["/ˈbækwərd/"]/, UK: /["/ˈbækwəd/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Backward?
Use 'backward' to describe movement or position. It’s appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but less common in positive situations; often used in negative or cautionary remarks.
What CEFR level is Backward?
"Backward" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.