adv B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

backwards

BAK-wurdz

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Backwards (adv) means Toward the back, or in reverse of the usual direction or order. Example: “The car rolled backwards down the slope before the driver pulled the handbrake.”

adv

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

"The car rolled backwards down the slope before the driver pulled the handbrake."

"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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more backwards
Superlative: most backwards

Test yourself on “backwards” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The car rolled _____ down the slope before the driver pulled the handbrake.

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 back

Antonyms

forward

Related words

back down game second support early ago past

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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