Gadit

backward

Definitions (4)
1adjectiveMoving or directed toward the back or rear.
The car rolled backward down the hill.
She took a step backward to avoid the puddle.
He glanced backward to see if anyone was following him.
2adjectiveReversed in order, direction, or progression.
The clock's hands moved backward, confusing everyone.
Reading the book backward revealed a hidden message.
The video played backward, making it look funny.
3adjectiveHaving made less progress than is normal or expected.
The backward village lacked modern amenities.
His backward thinking prevented him from accepting new ideas.
The backward economy struggled to grow.
4adverbToward the past or earlier time.
He looked backward to his childhood with fondness.
The story takes us backward in time to the s.
She wished she could go backward and change her decision.
Word Origin
Language
Old English
Original word
bæcweard
Word parts
bæc (back) + weard (toward)
Originally meant
toward the back
Background
The word 'backward' comes from Old English 'bæcweard', which literally means 'toward the back'. It has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe movement or direction toward the rear.