ALL meanings of backward and forward
back·ward and for·ward
B b - 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
- adjective backward and forward directed toward the back or past. 1
- adjective backward and forward reversed; returning: a backward movement; a backward journey. 1
- adjective backward and forward behind in time or progress; late; slow: a backward learner; a backward country. 1
- adjective backward and forward bashful or hesitant; shy: a backward lover. 1
- idioms backward and forward backward and forward, thoroughly: He knew his lesson backward and forward. Also, backwards and forwards. 1