Backward Definition
backward
adverb
- at or to or toward the back or rear; "he moved back"; "tripped when he stepped backward"; "she looked rearward out the window of the car"
- in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal; "it's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege'"; "the child put her jersey on backward"
- in or to or toward a past time; "set the clocks back an hour"; "never look back"; "lovers of the past looking fondly backward"
adjective
- directed or facing toward the back or rear; "a backward view"
- (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature; "a backward lover"
- retarded in intellectual development
- having made less than normal progress; "an economically backward country"
"Backward" in song lyrics
See how backward is used in real songs:
-
"Smack with backhand 'til backlash taps your ears backward"
Analog Brothers — Analog Anilalator vrs. Silver Surfer -
"Avenues I used to call familiar turned backward"
Blue Scholars — Selfportrait -
"It's only that work on the chirp, And get it backward"
Wu-Syndicate — Jsus
Words that rhyme with backward
Usage tips for "backward"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "backward" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for backward to find words that pair well.