WordWell

backward

/ˈbæk.wə(ɹ)d//ˈbækwɚd/
🔵 Intermediate

Word Statistics

Difficulty LevelIntermediate

Standard vocabulary

Word FrequencyVery Common

Used frequently in everyday conversation

Syllables2

Moderate complexity

Analysis:

  • • Common vocabulary word
  • • Simple pronunciation
noun

1. The state behind or past.

adjective

1. (of motion) In the direction towards the back.

"They left without a backward glance."

2. (of motion) In the direction reverse of normal.

"The occasional backward movement of planets is evidence they revolve around the sun."

Synonyms: retrograde

3. Reluctant or unable to advance.

4. Of a culture: undeveloped or unsophisticated.

Synonyms: Third World, developing
Antonyms: First World, developed, forward

5. Outdated.

Synonyms: antediluvian, antiquated, backwards, parachronistic, retrograde
Antonyms: progressive

6. On that part of the field behind the batsman's popping crease.

7. Further behind the batsman's popping crease than something else.

8. Unwilling; averse; reluctant.

9. Slow to apprehend; having difficulties in learning.

"a backward child"

10. Late or behindhand.

"a backward season"

Synonyms: overdue, tardy

11. Already past or gone; bygone.

Synonyms: forepast, historical

Synonyms

≠ Antonyms

First Worlddevelopedforwardprogressive
adverb

1. (of motion) In the direction towards the back; backwards

"to throw the arms backward"

2. Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.

3. By way of reflection; reflexively.

4. From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin.

Synonyms

≠ Antonyms

forwardforwards

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Want richer context for the words you save? Open the storytelling blueprints inside PromptForge or dip into the daily creative challenges from PromptCraft to put fresh vocabulary to work immediately.