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backward and forward

back·ward and for·ward
B b

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [bak-werd and fawr-werd]
    • /ˈbæk wərd ænd ˈfɔr wərd/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [bak-werd and fawr-werd]
    • /ˈbæk wərd ænd ˈfɔr wərd/

Definitions of backward and forward words

  • phrase backward and forward If someone or something moves backward and forward, they move repeatedly first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. 3
  • adverb backward and forward toward the back or rear. 1
  • adverb backward and forward with the back foremost. 1
  • adverb backward and forward in the reverse of the usual or right way: counting backward from 100. 1
  • adverb backward and forward toward the past: to look backward over one's earlier mistakes. 1
  • adverb backward and forward toward a less advanced state; retrogressively: Since the overthrow of the president the country has moved steadily backward. 1
See all 11 definitions of backward and forward

Information block about the term

Origin of backward and forward

First appearance:

before 1250
One of the 11% oldest English words
First recorded in 1250-1300, backward is from the Middle English word bakwarde. See back1, -ward

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Backward and forward

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
Full grammatical hierarchy of Backward and forward

backward and forward popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 93% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

backward and forward usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for backward and forward

adj backward and forward

  • off and on — so as to be no longer supported or attached: This button is about to come off.
  • seesaw — a recreation in which two children alternately ride up and down while seated at opposite ends of a plank balanced at the middle.
  • zigzag — a line, course, or progression characterized by sharp turns first to one side and then to the other.
  • here and there — in this place; in this spot or locality (opposed to there): Put the pen here.
  • up and down — moving in or related to a direction that is up or is regarded as up: the up elevator; the up train traveling north; the up platform of a railroad station.
All 5 Synonyms of backward and forward

See also

Matching words

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