BACKWARDS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "backwards" is an adverb that refers to the direction opposite to the normal or intended one, typically when moving or looking away from something or someone. It implies a form of retrogression or reversal of movement or progress.
In a literal sense, "backwards" indicates a movement that is the opposite of forward or ahead. It implies a reversal of direction, such as walking, running, or traveling in a path or route that leads back to a previous location or position. Furthermore, "backwards" can also describe the act of turning or facing towards the opposite or rear side of a particular object or person.
Metaphorically, the term "backwards" can describe a regressive or degradative action or situation in various contexts. For example, it can denote a rejection or abandonment of advancements, advancements, or societal norms, leading to a decline or deterioration in a particular area or domain. Additionally, "backwards" can signify a lack of progress or development in terms of knowledge, understanding, or innovation.
In summary, "backwards" is an adverb used to describe a direction opposite to the normal or intended one, whether in terms of physical movement, orientation, or metaphorical regression. It implies a reversal of progress or a decline in various aspects of life, depending on the context in which it is used.
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Back; in time past; towards the back.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BACKWARDS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BACKWARDS
Etymology of BACKWARDS
The word backwards is derived from the combination of two Middle English words: bakward and ward.
The first part, bakward, comes from the Old English word bæcweard which is a combination of bæc meaning back and weard meaning toward, in the direction of.
The second part, ward, is a combining form meaning in the direction of.
Over time, the two words merged into bakward as a single term in Middle English, and eventually, it evolved into backwards in modern English.
So, the etymology of backwards shows its origin in Old English and Middle English with the combination of bakward and ward.
Idioms with the word BACKWARDS
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a step backwards
The idiom "a step backwards" means a regressive or retrogressive action, generally implying that progress is being halted or reversed. It refers to a situation where there is a decline or setback, contrary to what is expected or desired.
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bend/lean over backwards
The idiom "bend/lean over backwards" means to make an exceptional effort or go to great lengths to accommodate someone or fulfill their requests. It suggests doing everything possible or making extraordinary sacrifices to please or assist someone.
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know sth backwards, at know sth back to front
The idiomatic phrase "know something backwards" or "know something back to front" means to have an extremely thorough and comprehensive understanding of a particular subject or topic. It suggests a level of expertise where one's knowledge is so ingrained and familiar that it can be recalled effortlessly and quickly, even if the information is presented in a reversed or backwards manner. It implies a deep level of familiarity and mastery in the subject matter.
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lean over backwards
The idiom "lean over backwards" means to go to great lengths or make an extraordinary effort to accommodate or help someone, often to the point of sacrificing one's own comfort or well-being. It implies being extremely flexible or bending over backwards figuratively to assist or satisfy someone's demands or needs.
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bend over backwards
The idiom "bend over backwards" means to make a great effort or go to extreme lengths to accommodate someone or fulfill a request. It signifies going beyond what is expected or necessary in order to be helpful or accommodating.
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bend/lean over backwards to do sth
The idiom "bend/lean over backwards to do sth" means to make an extraordinary effort or go to great lengths in order to please someone, accommodate their needs, or achieve a specific goal. It implies putting oneself in a physically or emotionally uncomfortable position to achieve the desired result.
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bend over backwards (to do sth) (for sm)
The idiom "bend over backwards (to do sth) (for sm)" means to make an extraordinary effort or to go to extreme lengths in order to accommodate or help someone. It implies doing everything possible or going beyond one's usual capabilities to fulfill someone's request or meet their needs.
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know sth backwards
The idiom "know something backwards" means to have a complete and thorough understanding or knowledge about something. It implies that one knows a particular subject or topic so well that they can recall or understand it effortlessly, without any difficulty.
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know backwards
The idiom "know backwards" means to know something extremely well or to be extremely familiar with it, as if one could recite or do it effortlessly and without hesitation.
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bend/lean over backwards (to do something)
The idiom "bend/lean over backwards (to do something)" means to make an exceptional effort or go to great lengths to accommodate or satisfy someone. It implies going beyond what is normally expected or required in order to please or assist another person.
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know somebody/something backwards
The idiom "know somebody/something backwards" means to have a thorough and extensive knowledge or understanding of someone or something. It implies being extremely familiar or well-acquainted with a particular subject matter, such that one can comprehend, recall, or navigate it effortlessly.
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know (something) backwards
The idiom "know (something) backwards" means to have such a thorough knowledge or understanding of something that it can be done or recited from memory effortlessly and with great familiarity. It implies a deep and comprehensive knowledge of a particular subject or topic.
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bend over backwards (to do something) (for someone)
To "bend over backwards (to do something) (for someone)" means to make an extreme effort or go to great lengths to help or accommodate someone or to achieve a goal. It implies being exceptionally accommodating, flexible, or willing to sacrifice personal needs or preferences in order to assist or please someone else.
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bend over backwards to do something
The idiom "bend over backwards to do something" means to make a great effort or exert oneself to an extreme extent in order to accomplish or satisfy something or someone's needs or preferences. It implies going above and beyond the usual or expected level of effort to achieve a desired outcome.
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know backwards and forwards
The idiom "know backwards and forwards" means to be extremely familiar with something, to know it thoroughly and in great detail. It implies that one possesses deep knowledge and understanding of a subject or topic.
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fall over backwards (to do sth)
The idiom "fall over backwards (to do sth)" means to make a tremendous effort or to go to great lengths in order to help or accommodate someone. It implies willingly sacrificing one's own convenience or comfort to fulfill someone's request or expectation.
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know sth backwards and forwards
The idiom "know something (or someone) backwards and forwards" means to be extremely familiar or knowledgeable about something (or someone). It implies that a person knows every detail, aspect, or nuance of the subject matter, such that they are able to navigate or understand it in any direction or perspective. It suggests a high level of expertise or mastery.
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know backwards and forwards and know forwards and backwards
The idiom "know backwards and forwards" or "know forwards and backwards" is used to describe a deep and comprehensive understanding or familiarity with something. It means to possess complete knowledge of a topic, skill, or situation to the point where one is able to navigate and comprehend it effortlessly from every angle or direction. It suggests a high level of expertise, mastery, or thoroughness in one's knowledge or understanding.
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know something backwards and forwards and know something forwards and backwards
The idiom "know something backwards and forwards" or "know something forwards and backwards" means to have a comprehensive and thorough understanding of a particular subject or topic. It implies knowing every aspect or detail of it, both in terms of its overall structure (forwards) and its individual components (backwards). In other words, someone who knows something backwards and forwards is extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in that particular area.
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know (something) backwards and forwards
To know something backwards and forwards means to have complete and thorough knowledge or understanding of it, demonstrating expertise and familiarity with all its details, aspects, and intricacies. It implies being able to recall or navigate through the information effortlessly and without hesitation.
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know sth backwards and forwards and know sth forwards and backwards
The idiom "know something backwards and forwards" or "know something forwards and backwards" means to have a thorough, comprehensive understanding or knowledge of something. It implies that a person is so familiar with a particular subject or topic that they can recall and understand it in any order or direction. They have complete mastery or expertise in that area.
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fall over backwards
The idiom "fall over backwards" means to make an exceptional effort or go to great lengths to accommodate someone or fulfill a request. It suggests going beyond what is expected or required to assist or please someone.
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a backward step, at a step backwards
The idiom "a backward step" or "a step backwards" refers to a regressive or negative action or decision that takes one further away from progress or improvement. It signifies a retreat from previous advancements or achievements and implies a setback or decline in a particular situation or context.
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fall over backwards (to do something)
The idiom "fall over backwards (to do something)" means to make an extraordinary effort, go out of one's way, or do everything possible to achieve or fulfill something, often used when assisting or meeting someone's needs or demands. It implies a significant level of dedication, commitment, or willingness to help.
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backwards
The idiom "backwards" means in a direction or manner contrary to the usual or expected way. It can also refer to a situation or process that is confusing or disorganized.
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ass-backwards
"Ass-backwards" is an informal idiom that means doing something in a manner that is illogical, counterproductive, or nonsensical. It can also refer to something being done in the reverse or opposite way than how it should be done.
Similar spelling words for BACKWARDS
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