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backwards

0 antonyms and opposites of backwards, grouped by meaning.

Adv — Toward the back, or in reverse of the usual direction or order.

How to use backwards

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

walk backwards count backwards bend over backwards

Etymology

Formed from backward plus the adverbial ending -s, in the same pattern as "afterwards" or "towards."

Full origin of backwards →

Frequently asked questions

What does “backwards” mean?

The word “backwards” means toward the back, or in reverse of the usual direction or order. In plain terms, moving or facing the opposite way to normal, or in reverse order.

How do you pronounce “backwards”?

“Backwards” is pronounced BAK-wurdz (/ˈbækwɜɹdz/ in IPA).

How do you use “backwards” in a sentence?

Here is “backwards” used in a sentence: “He counted backwards from ten before the fireworks went off.”

What part of speech is “backwards”?

“Backwards” is an adverb.

Is “backwards” a common word?

“Backwards” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

What is the difference between backward and backwards?

As adverbs they are interchangeable: backwards is more common in British English and backward in American English, and both mean toward the back or in reverse. Before a noun, standard usage prefers backward, as in "a backward glance."

What are common phrases with backwards?

Backwards typically follows verbs of motion or order: fall backwards, lean backwards, count backwards, play a recording backwards. The idiom "bend over backwards" means to make an extreme effort to help or accommodate someone.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.