B1adjective 2K

Backward

UK /["/ˈbækwəd/"]/ US /["/ˈbækwərd/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

directed or moving towards the back

Listen to definition

In simple words: Going in the direction opposite to where you are facing.

Examples

• 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)*.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

• be
• seem
• extremely
• fairly
• very

Synonyms

• retrograde

Antonyms

• forward

Common mistakes

• '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'.