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Synonyms
back·ward (băḱwərd)

adjective 

  1. Directed or facing toward the back or rear.
  2. Done or arranged in a manner or order that is opposite to previous occurrence or normal use.
  3. Unwilling to act; reluctant; shy.
  4. Behind others in progress or development: The technology was backward, but the system worked.

adverb 

  1. To or toward the back or rear.
  2. With the back leading.
  3. In a reverse manner or order.
  4. To, toward, or into the past.
  5. Toward a worse or less advanced condition.

derivatives

bacḱward·ly
adverb
bacḱward·ness
noun

usage note

Usage Note: The adverb may be spelled backward or backwards, and these forms are interchangeable: stepped backward; a mirror facing backwards. In Standard English, however, the adjective has no –s: a backward view.