Backwards Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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backwards

[ˈbækwərdz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in the opposite direction

Moving or facing towards the direction of one's back; in a reverse manner.

Synonyms

in reverse, rearwards, retrograde.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backwards	Used identically to the first instance and is simply a repetition, so its contexts and examples remain the same. She walked backwards to see if anyone was following her. The company is moving backwards with these outdated policies.
in reverse	More formal, often used to describe mechanical or technical processes, such as a car going in the opposite direction. He put the gear in reverse and slowly backed out of the driveway. The video was played in reverse to show the complex mechanism.
rearwards	Formal or literary, used to describe moving or facing towards the back. More commonly found in poetry or descriptive writing. The soldiers marched rearwards in a disciplined formation. She cast her gaze rearwards, looking at the fading horizon.
retrograde	Formal and often used in scientific or technical contexts, especially in astronomy to describe planetary movements. Can also mean regressing to an earlier, often worse, state; this can carry a negative connotation. The planet Venus has a retrograde rotation. His retrograde views on gender roles are quite concerning.

Examples of usage

He walked backwards down the street.
She read the book backwards, starting from the last page.
The car reversed backwards out of the parking space.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

reversed in order or direction

Directed or facing towards the back or rear; opposite to the usual or expected way.

Synonyms

inverse, opposite, reversed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backwards	This word is essentially identical to the previous one and is used interchangeably. She flipped through the magazine backwards to look at the last page first His thinking is so backwards; he still believes outdated ideas
reversed	This term is typically used when something has been turned around or altered to face the opposite direction or when a process has been undone. She reversed the car into the garage The decision was later reversed by the committee
inverse	This term is often used in mathematical contexts or to describe a situation where one thing is directly opposite or reverse in relation to another. The inverse of adding five is subtracting five There is an inverse relationship between the number of workers and time taken to complete the job
opposite	This word is used to indicate something that is completely different or contrary in position, direction, or meaning. Her opinions are the opposite of mine The house is on the opposite side of the street

Examples of usage

The teacher wrote the word backwards on the chalkboard.
The puzzle was solved by working backwards from the final clue.
She wore her shirt backwards by mistake.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

the rear part of something

The part of something that is furthest from the front; the opposite end from the front.

Synonyms

end, rear, tail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backwards	Use when describing movement in the opposite direction or a reverse process. The car moved backwards She walked backwards to keep an eye on the kids
rear	Use this to refer to the back part of something, often used in the context of vehicles or buildings. The rear door was locked The passengers were seated at the rear of the plane
end	Use this to refer to the final part of something or the point where something stops. The end of the movie was surprising She waited at the end of the line
tail	Use this to refer to the very end or back part of an object, often used with animals or as a metaphorical expression. The dog wagged its tail The comet had a long, bright tail

Examples of usage

He sat at the backwards of the classroom.
She placed the book on the backwards of the shelf.
The backwards of the house faced the garden.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'backwards'

The word 'backwards' is a combination of 'back' and '-wards,' with 'back' originating from the Old English word 'bæc' meaning 'back, backwards,' and '-wards' from the Middle English '-ward,' indicating direction. The term has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe the opposite or reverse direction of something.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,159 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8156 lamb
8157 ordination
8158 desiring
8159 backwards
8160 frustrated
8161 supremacy
8162 scenarios
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