backward — directed toward the back or rear
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: directed toward the back or rear
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbækwərd/
Example Sentences
- My cat walked backward when it saw the cucumber - apparently it's their kryptonite!
- He's so backward with technology that he still thinks WiFi is a greeting.
- The company took a backward approach to solving the problem.
backward
ADJECTIVE[/ˈbækwərd/]
directed toward the back or rear
Moving in backward direction
Looking backward on a wayward path, feeling awkward
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'backward' developed in Old English from the combination of 'back' (meaning rear or behind) and the directional suffix '-ward' (meaning toward or in the direction of). This compound evolved to express the sense of moving or directed toward the rear.
Breakdown
back (rear, behind) + -ward (toward, in the direction of). The suffix '-ward' derives from Old English 'weard', meaning to guard or direct movement toward a specific direction.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat walked backward when it saw the cucumber - apparently it's their kryptonite!”
“He's so backward with technology that he still thinks WiFi is a greeting.”
“The company took a backward approach to solving the problem.”
“She can recite the alphabet backward in under 10 seconds.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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