Backward

Back·ward

Backward

adv.
  1. With the back in advance or foremost; as, to ride backward.
  2. Toward the back; toward the rear; as, to throw the arms backward.
  3. On the back, or with the back downward.
    Thou wilt fall backward.
  4. Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.
    Some reigns backward.
  5. By way of reflection; reflexively.
  6. From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin.
    The work went backward.
  7. In a contrary or reverse manner, way, or direction; contrarily; as, to read backwards.
    We might have . . . beat them backward home.

Backward

a.
  1. Directed to the back or rear; as, backward glances.
  2. Unwilling; averse; reluctant; hesitating; loath.
    For wiser brutes were backward to be slaves.
  3. Not well advanced in learning; not quick of apprehension; dull; inapt; as, a backward child.
  4. Late or behindhand; as, a backward season.
  5. Not advanced in civilization; undeveloped; as, the country or region is in a backward state.
  6. Already past or gone; bygone. [R.]
    And flies unconscious o'er each backward year.

Backward

n.
  1. The state behind or past. [Obs.]
    In the dark backward and abysm of time.

Backward

v. t.
  1. To keep back; to hinder. [Obs.]