CEFR B1

backwards

adverb

Meaning

In or toward the direction opposite to the one in which you are facing or the direction in which something is moving.

Examples

He walked backwards across the room, keeping his eyes on the audience.
The company's profits have been going backwards for the last two quarters.

Synonyms: in reverse, rearward, retrograde

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backwards (B1)

adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈbækwərdz/

Definition

In or toward the direction opposite to the one in which you are facing or the direction in which something is moving.

Examples

He walked backwards across the room, keeping his eyes on the audience.
The company's profits have been going backwards for the last two quarters.

How to Use backwards

backwards and forwards (collocation): Moving first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, repeatedly. — "The pendulum swung backwards and forwards for hours."
go backwards (phrasal verb): To move in a reverse direction or to decline. — "The economy is going backwards due to inflation."
move backwards (phrasal verb): To change position in the opposite direction of forward. — "She stepped backwards to avoid the puddle."

Synonyms of backwards

Words with a similar meaning to backwards:

Antonyms of backwards

Words with the opposite meaning to backwards:

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