The concept of moving backwards is not limited to physical motion. In many areas of life, such as business and politics, going "backwards" can signify a setback or return to a less advanced state. However, in some cultures, backward movement is considered a means of reflection or retreat, an essential step in a process of growth or renewal. Philosophically, the term "backwards" can also be viewed as a necessary part of a cyclical process, where retreat and reflection precede progress and advancement.
No exact match translations found for 'backwards' in bodo.
Word 'backwards' in Other Languages
- backwards in Assamese অসমীয়া
- backwards in Bengali বাংলা
- backwards in Bodo बड़ो
- backwards in Dogri डोगरी
- backwards in English
- backwards in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- backwards in Hindi हिन्दी
- backwards in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- backwards in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- backwards in Konkani कोंकणी
- backwards in Maithili মৈথিলী
- backwards in Malayalam മലയാളം
- backwards in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- backwards in Marathi मराठी
- backwards in Nepali नेपाली
- backwards in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- backwards in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- backwards in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- backwards in Santali
- backwards in Sindhi سنڌي
- backwards in Tamil தமிழ்
- backwards in Telugu తెలుగు
- backwards in Urdu اُردُو
Backwards
Part of Speech
Adjective, Adverb
Pronunciation
/ˈbæk.wədz/
Definitions
- Adjective: Directed or moving toward the back; reversed from the normal direction or order.
- Adverb: In a reverse or opposite direction; towards the rear.
- Informal: In a way that is opposite to what is expected or normal.
Usage Examples
- He walked backwards after the argument, trying to leave quietly.
- The car reversed, heading backwards into the driveway.
- The team moved backwards in the rankings after losing the match.
Etymology
The word "backwards" is a combination of "back" (meaning toward or at the rear) and the suffix "-ward" (indicating direction). The term originated in Middle English, derived from Old English "bæcweard," meaning in the direction of the back. It has been in common usage since the 14th century.
Synonyms
- Reverse
- Back
- Retreating
- Rearward
Antonyms
- Forward
- Progressive
- Advancing
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Hacia atrás | /ˈasja aˈtɾas/ |
| French | En arrière | /ɑ̃ aʁjɛʁ/ |
| German | Rückwärts | /ˈrʏkˌvɛʁts/ |
| Italian | All'indietro | /alˈlindjɛtro/ |
| Russian | Назад | /nɐˈzat/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 倒退 | /dàotuì/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In American English: /ˈbæk.wədz/
In British English: /ˈbæk.wədz/
Historical Usage
The term "backwards" has been used since the 14th century and was initially used to describe movement in the opposite direction or toward the rear. In early texts, it was often used to describe a reversal of a normal or expected order, particularly in contexts such as movement, behavior, or action.
Cultural Nuances
The idea of "backwards" is often associated with regression or a step backward in progress, especially in cultural or social contexts. For example, a "backward society" might be used to describe a community that has not advanced in terms of technology, education, or development. The term "backwards" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying stagnation or lack of improvement, though in other contexts it can simply indicate physical movement or the reversal of direction.