BACKWARD definition: toward the back or rear. See examples of backward used in a sentence.

To summarize, backward is an adjective that characterizes something as reverse or regressive, whereas backwards is primarily used as an adverb to describe a motion done in reverse.

Aug 5, 2025 · Understand the difference between “backward” and “backwards” and when to use each in American or British English for clear, correct writing.

BACKWARD definition: 1. not advanced: 2. towards the direction that is the opposite to the one in which you are facing…. Learn more.

Aug 16, 2024 · “Backward” is commonly preferred in American English and can function as both an adjective and an adverb. On the other hand, “backwards” is more frequently used in British English …

Is backwards a word? Learn how to use backwards and backward with definitions and sentence examples at Writing Explained.

While technically backwards is interchangeable with backward, the overwhelmingly preferred spelling in the United States is backward, whether it is used as an adjective or an adverb.

Apr 25, 2023 · In this article, we will define the words backward and backwards, explain the main difference between them, and provide examples of how we typically use them in sentences.

If someone takes a backward step, they do something that does not change or improve their situation, but causes them to go back a stage. He didn't want to take a backward step at this point in his career.

Also, ˈback•wards. toward the back or rear: I leaned backward in my chair. with the back moving first or facing forward: The helicopter flew backward. in the reverse of the usual or right way: counting …