backword
B2Neutral, formal
Definition
Meaning
Directed towards the back or rear; in the reverse of the usual direction.
Less developed, advanced, or progressive than is usual or expected; showing reluctance or hesitation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective and adverb. The adverbial form 'backward' is standard in British English; in American English, 'backwards' is more common for the adverb. The metaphorical meaning of 'underdeveloped' is often used in socio-economic contexts and can carry a negative connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: 'backward' (adj./adv.), 'backwards' (adv., less formal). US: 'backward' (adj.), 'backwards' (adv., predominant).
Connotations
The socio-economic sense ('backward region') is largely neutral in both, though sensitive modern usage may prefer 'less developed' or 'emerging'.
Frequency
The adverb 'backwards' is significantly more frequent in American English; the adjective is equally 'backward'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Adjective + noun (a backward step)Verb + backward/backwards (looked backward)Adverb + adjective (painfully backward)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bend over backward (to do something)”
- “know something backward(s)”
- “a step backward”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describing a regressive business decision or strategy: 'The merger was seen as a backward step.'
Academic
Discussing economic development: 'The study focused on historically backward regions.'
Everyday
Describing physical movement or direction: 'He took a step backward.'
Technical
In engineering/physics, describing motion or compatibility: 'backward compatibility' in software.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- She glanced backward over her shoulder.
- The car rolled slowly backward down the hill.
American English
- He stumbled backwards into the chair.
- Count backwards from ten to one.
adjective
British English
- The policy was a backward move for civil liberties.
- The village lacked basic amenities and was considered backward.
American English
- The new software update maintains backward compatibility.
- Some viewed his social views as backward.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He walked backward and bumped into the table.
- Look backward to see who is there.
- She took a small step backward in surprise.
- Without investment, the region will remain economically backward.
- The government's new law is perceived as a significant backward step for human rights.
- The engineer explained the importance of backward compatibility in the new operating system.
- His ideologically backward views were at odds with the progressive ethos of the institution.
- The chess grandmaster could analyse the game backward and forward in his mind.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of walking BACK towards your WARDrobe. You're going BACK to the WARD, which is backward.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION / REGRESS IS BACKWARD MOTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'backwards' as 'задом наперёд' (physical direction) and 'отсталый' (underdeveloped). The Russian 'назад' covers both 'back' and 'ago', while 'backward' is specifically directional/developmental.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'backwards' as an adjective in formal writing (e.g., 'a backwards policy'). Using 'backward' to mean 'shy' (more accurately 'backward in coming forward' is idiomatic).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'backward' used correctly as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As an adjective, always 'backward'. As an adverb, both are correct, but 'backward' is standard in UK English and 'backwards' is more common in US English.
In socio-economic contexts, it is a standard descriptive term but can be perceived as judgmental. Terms like 'less developed', 'emerging', or 'under-resourced' are often preferred in sensitive modern discourse.
It is an idiom meaning to make an extraordinary effort to be helpful or accommodating to someone.
A technical term, especially in computing, meaning that a newer system or product can work with older versions or formats.