Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
backwards. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
backwards, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
backwards in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
backwards you have here. The definition of the word
backwards will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
backwards, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Etymology 1
From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).
Adjective
backwards (comparative more backwards, superlative most backwards)
- Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
Derived terms
Etymology 2
From Middle English bakwardis, bakwardis, a variant of Middle English bakwarde, bakward (“backward”). Equivalent to backward + -s. Compare Saterland Frisian bäkove (“backwards”).
Adverb
backwards (comparative more backwards, superlative most backwards)
- Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
1944 May and June, “When the Circle was Steam Operated”, in Railway Magazine, page 150:The length of the stoppages could not well be reduced; indeed, they are already too short if we are to believe the tale now current of a wandering Jew sort of passenger—a lady of advanced years who can only alight from a train backwards. Every time she begins to get out a porter rushes up crying "Hurry up, ma'am; train's going!"—and pushes her in again!
Derived terms
Related terms
Other terms using the suffix -wards
Anagrams