Pronunciations (2)
-
/ˈbækwɜːdz/
Pronunciation notes
- Received-Pronunciation
-
/ˈbækwɜɹdz/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
Adjective
Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
- Examples
-
As I stand to address them they take a fearful step backwards with their hands outstretched in placating gestures.
Adverb
Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
The length of the stoppages could not well be reduced; indeed, they are already too short if we are to believe the tale now current of a wandering Jew sort of passenger—a lady of advanced years who can only alight from a train backwards. Every time she begins to get out a porter rushes up crying "Hurry up, ma'am; train's going!"—and pushes her in again!
My train back is a Class 800 bi-mode. These are not too bad, except for their awful seats - compared with the seats on the HST, they are a step backwards.
Adverb
at or to or toward the back or rear
- Examples
-
he moved back
tripped when he stepped backward
More examples (1)
she looked rearward out the window of the car
in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
- Synonyms
- Examples
-
it's easy to get the ‘i’ and the ‘e’ backward in words like ‘seize’ and ‘siege’
the child put her jersey on backward