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English Lexicon

Backward

/ˈbæk.wərd/
adverbadjectiveCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #2100 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Directed or moving toward the back; in the opposite direction to that which is forward.

    "The car rolled backward down the hill."
As adverb
  1. 1

    In the direction of the back; toward the rear.

    "She took a step backward to avoid the puddle."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Middle English, combining 'back' (from Old English 'bæc') with the suffix '-ward' (from Old English '-weard', indicating direction). Historically used since the 14th century to denote movement, orientation, or development toward the rear or past.

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