backwards
Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
Adjective
- Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
Synonyms: backward
Origin
From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).
Forms
Derived
ass-backwards backwards-compatible backwards compatibility backwardsness
Adverb
- Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
- 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...
- My train back is a Class 800 bi-mode. These are not too bad, except for their awful seats - compared with the seats on the HST, they are a step backwards. - 2025 November 12, 'Mystery Shopper', “Is Devon the cream of...
Synonyms: backward
Origin
From Middle English bakwardis, bakwardis, a variant of Middle English bakwarde, bakward (“backward”). Equivalent to backward + -s. Compare Saterland Frisian bäkove (“backwards”).
Forms
Related
downwards eastwards forwards homewards inwards landwards leewards northwards outwards seawards shorewards sidewards skywards southwards sternwards towards upwards westwards windwards
Derived
ass-backwards look as if one has been dragged through a hedge backwards
Verb
- third-person singular simple present indicative of backward
Origin
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.