HyperDic: backward

English > 7 senses of the word *backward*:
ADVERB	all	backward, back, backwards, rearward, rearwards	at or to or toward the back / back / back or rear
	all	backward, backwards	in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
	all	backward, back	in or to or toward a past time
ADJECTIVE	all	backward	directed / directed or facing toward the back / back or rear
	all	backward	(used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature
	all	backward, half-witted, slow-witted, feebleminded	retarded in intellectual development
	all	backward	having made less than normal progress

backward > pronunciation
Sounds	bae'kwerd
Rhymes	Abelard ... word / Word: 269 rhymes with erd...

English > *backward*: 7 senses > adjective 1
Meaning	directed / directed or facing toward the back / back or rear.
Example	"a backward view"
Narrower	backswept, sweptback	Used of hair
	cacuminal, retroflex	pronounced with the tip of the tongue turned back toward the hard palate
	converse, reversed, transposed	Turned about in order or relation
	inverse, reverse	reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect
	rearward, reverse	directed or moving toward the rear
	receding	(of a hairline e.g.) moving slowly back
	reflexive, self-referent	referring back to itself
	regardant	looking backward
	retracted	Drawn back and in
	retral, retrograde	Moving or directed or tending in a backward direction or contrary to a previous direction
	retroflex, retroflexed	bent / bent or curved backward
	returning, reversive	tending to be turned back
See also	regressive	Opposing progress
See also	retrospective	concerned with or related to the past
Opposite	forward	At or near or directed / directed toward the front

English > *backward*: 7 senses > adjective 2
Meaning	(used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature.
Example	"a backward lover"
Narrower	bashful, blate	disposed to avoid notice
See also	reserved	marked by self-restraint and reticence
See also	timid	showing fear and lack of confidence
Opposite	forward	Used of temperament or behavior
Spanish	tímido
Catalan	tímid

English > *backward*: 7 senses > adjective 3
Meaning	retarded in intellectual development.
Synonyms	half-witted, slow-witted, feebleminded
Broader	retarded	relatively slow in mental or emotional or physical development
Usage of	archaism, archaicism	The use of an archaic expression
Spanish	atrasado
Nouns	backwardness	lack of normal development of intellectual capacities

English > *backward*: 7 senses > adjective 4
Meaning	Having made less than normal progress.
Example	"an economically backward country"
Broader	undynamic, adynamic	Characterized by an absence of force or forcefulness

English > *backward*: 7 senses > adverb 1
Meaning	At or to or toward the back / back / back or rear.
Example	"tripped when he stepped backward"
Synonyms	back, backwards, rearward, rearwards
Opposite	forward, forwards, frontward, frontwards, forrad, forrard	At or to or toward the front

English > *backward*: 7 senses > adverb 2
Meaning	In a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal.
Examples	"it's easy to get the 'i' and the 'e' backward in words like 'seize' and 'siege'" "the child put her jersey on backward"
Synonym	backwards

English > *backward*: 7 senses > adverb 3
Meaning	In or to or toward a past time.
Example	"lovers of the past looking fondly backward"
Synonym	back
Opposite	ahead, forward	Toward the future
Spanish	atrás

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