en arrière — meaning in English

English meaning

• aback adv Used in the phrase "taken aback": caught by surprise, startled, or momentarily thrown off guard.
• backward adj/adv Directed or moving toward the rear, or in the opposite direction to normal or expected.

Senses

en arrière is used for these senses in English:

• aback (archaic, Geordie) Towards the back or rear; backwards. [First attested prior to 1150.]
• ass-backwards (colloquial) Moving backwards, that is, rear end first.
• backward Acting or moving in the direction opposite to the usual direction of movement.
• backward In a direction opposite to the usual direction of movement.

backward — full definition

1. adj/adv Directed or moving toward the rear, or in the opposite direction to normal or expected.
2. adj Less developed or advanced than expected, especially describing a place, culture, or way of thinking.
3. adj Reluctant or slow to act, learn, or come forward.

Related French words