Backwards Meaning
/ˈbækwɜːdz/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjSynonym of backward; see usage notes there.
verbthird-person singular simple present indicative of backward
Sentence Examples
In tennis and ping-pong backhand the hand is turned backwards in making the stroke.
You've got your priorities backwards.
I lost my balance and fell backwards.
CEFR Practice Quiz
To untangle the rope, you must turn the handle ____ instead of clockwise.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Can you say the whole alphabet ____ starting from the letter Z?.
Word Origin & History
From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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!"
— 1944 May and June, “When the Circle was Steam Operated”, in Railway Magazine, page 150:
"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."
— 2025 November 12, 'Mystery Shopper', “Is Devon the cream of the crop?”, in RAIL, number 1048, page 47:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
To untangle the rope, you must turn the handle ____ instead of clockwise.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Can you say the whole alphabet ____ starting from the letter Z?.