Word of the Day ·

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backwards

back·wards

UK/ˈbækwɜːdz/US/ˈbækwɜɹdz/

adjective

What it means

  1. Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.

    As I stand to address them they take a fearful step backwards with their hands outstretched in placating gestures.

    2015, Alain Robert, With Bare Hands, Maverick Publishing Limited

    Synonyms: backward

In a sentence

As I stand to address them they take a fearful step backwards with their hands outstretched in placating gestures.

2015, Alain Robert, With Bare Hands, Maverick Publishing Limited

Where it comes from

From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).

Full entry for backwards →

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