Backwards: meaning, definitions and examples

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• The company is moving backwards with these outdated policies.

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.

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.

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.

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• His thinking is so backwards; he still believes outdated ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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