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November 13, 2019 Word of the Day

backward /ˈbækwɚd/ adverb
backward
/ˈbækwɚd/
adverb
The woman looks backward to park her car.
The woman looks backward to park her car.
Definition of BACKWARD

1 : toward the back : to or toward what is behind

  • a sudden movement backward, not forward

  • I heard a noise behind me and glanced backward.

  • He pushed the throttle backward.

2 : opposite to the usual way : in reverse

  • Count backward from 10.

3 : toward the past

  • a journey backward in time

  • The narrative moves backward and forward in time.

4 : to or toward a less advanced state or condition : toward a worse state

  • His new job, which paid less and had fewer responsibilities, felt like a step backward.

bend over backward or lean over backward also fall over backward

: to make a great effort to help someone or to reach agreement with someone

  • The salesman said he would bend over backward to make the deal.

  • I've leaned over backward to please you—and you haven't even said thank you!

know something backward and forward

— see KNOW

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