backward
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: backwarding · backwarded
Sense 1
Indicating position or direction. — Situated toward or at the rear of something.
Adjective
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Indicating position or direction. — Acting or moving in the direction opposite to that in which someone or something is facing.
Adjective
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
At, near or towards the rear of something.
Adverb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
In a direction opposite to that in which someone or something is facing or normally pointing.
Adverb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “backward” mean?
Indicating position or direction. — Situated toward or at the rear of something.
Is “backward” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.