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

Behind; unwilling; slow.

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.