Backward
Definition of backward:
part of speech: noun
Backwardness.
part of speech: adverb
BACKWARDLY.
part of speech: adverb
Toward the rear; with the back coming first; as, to tumble over backward.
part of speech: adverb
Backwards, backwardly.
part of speech: adjective
Directed to the rear; moving or done in a way opposite to the normal way; reversed; reluctant; hesitating; retiring; bashful; behind in learning or progress; dull; as, a backward pupil; behindhand; late.
part of speech: adjective
To the rear; with the hinder part in advance.
part of speech: adjective
part of speech: adjective
Keeping back: unwilling: slow: late; also, bashful, timid. ( Amer.).
Usage examples for backward:
-
We do not know his name; we only know of him what is material for us to know- - that he was never backward on occasions of desperate service.
"The Mirror of the Sea", Joseph Conrad. -
They hurried on, cautiously watching the walls and the canyon in front of them, and now and then turning for a quick backward glance, to guard against attack in the rear.
"With Hoops of Steel", Florence Finch Kelly. -
And they all knelt down in the mud, and said, " Our Lord, first forward, because of the cross, and then backward to keep off the Bogles; but without speaking out, for they knew that the Evil Things would catch them, if they didn't do as the Wise Woman told them."
"More English Fairy Tales", Various.