What does "backwards" mean?
third-person singular simple present indicative of backward
Backwards
/ˈbækwɜːdz/ adj, adv, verb
adj, adv, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: third-person singular simple present indicative of backward
- Grammar: backwards is listed as adj, adv, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: backward, rearward, against the grain, arsy varsy.
- Useful contrasts: down, sideways, advanced.
- Usage evidence: In tennis and ping-pong backhand the hand is turned backwards in making the stroke.
How to use "backwards"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "backwards" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "backwards" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "backwards" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "backwards" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "backwards" is acting as adj, adv, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "backward" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "backwards", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 third-person singular simple present indicative of backward form-of, indicative, present, singular, third-person
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
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"In tennis and ping-pong backhand the hand is turned backwards in making the stroke."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "backwards"?
Common synonyms include: backward, rearward, against the grain, arsy varsy, ass backwards, astern.
How do you use "backwards" in a sentence?
In tennis and ping-pong backhand the hand is turned backwards in making the stroke.
How do you pronounce "backwards"?
Pronounced /ˈbækwɜːdz/.
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.