adv B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

backwards

BAK-wurdz

Backwards (adv) means Toward the back, or in reverse of the usual direction or order. Example: “He counted backwards from ten before the fireworks went off.”

adv

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

"He counted backwards from ten before the fireworks went off."

"She read the message backwards just to see if it made any sense that way."

How to use backwards

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMoving or facing the opposite way to normal, or in reverse order.

UK vs US

British English favors "backwards" as the adverb ("walk backwards"), while American English often uses "backward" for the same role, though both forms are understood everywhere.

Common pairings

walk backwards count backwards bend over backwards

Word forms

more backwards comparative, more backwards comparative, most backwards superlative, most backwards superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He counted _____ from ten before the fireworks went off.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

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backward in reverse rearward rearwards

Related words

back down past forward reverse shy reversed backward

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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