Type in ➚

0 results, you searched for term: backward. Please check for the correct spellings.

Dictionary Page: Backward

Backward

Part of Speech

Adjective, Adverb

Pronunciation

/ˈbak-wərd/

Definitions

  1. Adjective: Directed or moving toward the rear; opposite of forward.
  2. Adjective: Less advanced; underdeveloped.
  3. Adverb: In a manner that goes in the opposite direction, or toward the past.
  4. Adverb: In reverse order or direction.

Usage Examples

  • The car moved backward after the engine was started.
  • Society was progressing, but some individuals remained backward in their thinking.
  • He looked backward as he walked down the path.
  • The calculation was done backward, and the result was incorrect.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "backward," from Old English "bæcweard," meaning "toward the back." The word is formed from "back" + the suffix "-ward," meaning "in the direction of." The earliest recorded use dates back to the 14th century.

Synonyms

  • Rearward
  • Retreating
  • Reverse
  • Back
  • Opposite

Antonyms

  • Forward
  • Progressive
  • Advanced
  • Onward

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Hacia atrás /ˈasja aˈtɾas/
French En arrière /ɑ̃ aʁjɛʁ/
German Rückwärts /ˈrʏkˌvɛʁts/
Italian All'indietro /all'inˈdjɛːtro/
Russian Назад /nɐˈzat/
Chinese (Mandarin) 向后 /xiàng hòu/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English: /ˈbækˌwɜrd/

In British English: /ˈbæk.wəd/

Historical Usage

Historically, "backward" has been used to describe a variety of concepts, often referring to movements or states that oppose progress or development. In earlier centuries, it was used to describe geographical locations (i.e., regions further from civilization) and social conditions (i.e., less developed societies). In more recent times, the term "backward" has been used in both negative and neutral contexts, with some regarding it as a sign of progress, while others see it as a pejorative term in modern discourse.

Cultural Nuances

The term "backward" can carry different connotations depending on cultural and historical contexts. In some societies, the term is used to refer to rural or less-developed areas, often with an emphasis on tradition and a slower pace of change. It can also be used to describe conservative views or resistance to modernity. However, in contemporary usage, especially in the context of developmental studies, "backward" is generally replaced by terms like "underdeveloped" or "less economically advanced" to avoid negative implications.

More Information

The concept of "backward"ness, especially in relation to progress or development, has evolved significantly over the centuries. Initially used to describe places or societies that were distant from the core or center of civilization, the word gradually began to be applied in the context of social and economic development. In modern discourse, "backward" is often associated with a lack of resources, technology, or modernization. This association has sometimes been criticized for its inherent bias toward urbanization and Western standards of progress.

However, in some cultural and environmental contexts, "backward" areas or practices can be seen as embodying wisdom, self-sufficiency, and sustainability. For instance, traditional farming techniques or community-based living in rural or "backward" areas are increasingly being valued for their ecological sustainability and resistance to industrialization.

  1. Home
  2.  › 
  3. language
  4.  › 
  5. oriya-dictionary-translation-meaning-of-backward