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Backwards

//ˈbækwɜːdz// adj, adv, verb

Definitions

Adjective

1
Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.

Adverb

1
Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.
"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!"

Adverb

1
at or to or toward the back or rear wordnet
2
in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal wordnet

Verb

1
third-person singular simple present indicative of backward form-of, indicative, present, singular, third-person

Etymology

Etymology 1

From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English bakwardis, bakwardis, a variant of Middle English bakwarde, bakward (“backward”). Equivalent to backward + -s. Compare Saterland Frisian bäkove (“backwards”).

Etymology 3

An inflection.

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