26984 words

backward

8 definitions • 11 examples
1
not advanced:

Examples:

When he was a child, his teachers thought he was backward (= unable to learn as much as most children).
People still think of it as a backward country/region/area (= one without industry or modern machines).
2
towards the direction that is the opposite to the one in which you are facing:

Examples:

He did a fantastic backward somersault.
She left the room without a backward glance.
3
not doing something immediately or quickly, because you are nervous or not certain about it:

Examples:

I usually find that my partner is not backward in suggesting different options.
4
in cricket, standing further behind the batter (= the player who tries to hit the ball) than is usual for a player in that position:

Examples:

I often field at backward short leg.
5
→
6
toward the direction that is opposite to the one in which you are facing or opposite to the usual direction:

Examples:

He took a step backward.
He began counting backward: "Ten, nine, eight . . ."
She was skating around the rink, backward and forward.
7
directed toward the back or in the direction that is opposite to the one in which you are facing:

Examples:

He did a terrific backward somersault.
8
not developed, or not modern or advanced:

Examples:

The state needs to reform its backward election laws.

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