The meaning of BACKWARD is toward the back or rear. How to use backward in a sentence.

The backward slash symbol "\\" is primarily used in computing and programming as an escape character.

backward adjective (OPPOSITE DIRECTION) toward the direction that is the opposite to the one in which you are facing:

1. backward (s) and forward (s), in every detail; thoroughly. 2. bend, lean, or fall over backward, to exert oneself to the utmost; make a serious effort.

If someone takes a backward step, they do something that does not change or improve their situation, but causes them to go back a stage. He didn't want to take a backward step at this point in his career.

To summarize, backward is an adjective that characterizes something as reverse or regressive, whereas backwards is primarily used as an adverb to describe a motion done in reverse.

Aug 5, 2025 · Understand the difference between “backward” and “backwards” and when to use each in American or British English for clear, correct writing.

While technically backwards is interchangeable with backward, the overwhelmingly preferred spelling in the United States is backward, whether it is used as an adjective or an adverb.

Definition of backward adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Is backwards a word? Learn how to use backwards and backward with definitions and sentence examples at Writing Explained.