backward meaning and definition

BACKWARD adjective

Definition of backward (adjective)

1. directed or facing toward the back or rear
   • "a backward view"
   • antonym: forward
2. (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature
   • "a backward lover"
   • antonym: forward
3. retarded in intellectual development
   • synonyms: feebleminded, half-witted, slow-witted
4. having made less than normal progress
   • "an economically backward country"

BACKWARD adverb

Definition of backward (adverb)

1. at or to or toward the back or rear
   • "he moved back"; "tripped when he stepped backward"; "she looked rearward out the window of the car"
   • synonyms: back, backwards, rearward, rearwards
   • antonym: forrad
2. in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
   • "it's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege'"; "the child put her jersey on backward"
   • synonyms: backwards
3. in or to or toward a past time
   • "set the clocks back an hour"; "never look back"; "lovers of the past looking fondly backward"
   • synonyms: back
   • antonym: ahead