backward
UK: ˈbækwəd | US: ˈbækwərd
adj. 1. Directed behind or toward the rear.
adj. 2. Reluctant to progress; resistant to change.
adv. 3. In reverse order or direction.
backward = back<rear> + ward<direction>
- back: From Old English bæc, meaning "the rear part" or "spine."
- ward: From Old English -weard, a suffix denoting direction (e.g., toward, forward).
Etymology Origin:
The word backward combines back (a core Germanic root for "rear") with -ward, a directional suffix. It originally described physical orientation (facing the rear) and later extended metaphorically to describe reluctance or opposition to progress (e.g., backward thinking). The logic mirrors other -ward words (e.g., forward, homeward), emphasizing directional movement.
She took a backward step to avoid the puddle.
His backward views on education sparked debate.
Count backward from ten to zero.
The car rolled backward down the hill.
The policy was criticized as backward and outdated.