back ‧ wards S3 /ˈbækwədz $ -wərdz/ BrE AmE ( also backward /-wəd $ -wərd/ American English ) adverb
1 . in the direction that is behind you OPP forwards :
Hannah took a step backward.
She pushed me and I fell backwards into the chair.
2 . towards the beginning or the past OPP forwards :
Count backwards from 100.
3 . with the back part in front:
Your T-shirt is on backwards.
4 . towards a worse state OPP forwards :
The new measures are seen by some as a major step backwards.
5 . backwards and forwards first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, usually many times:
Kip stumbled backwards and forwards before falling down.
6 . bend/lean over backwards (to do something) to try as hard as possible to help or please someone:
City officials bent over backwards to help downtown businesses.
7 . know something backwards British English know something backwards and forwards American English to know something very well or perfectly:
She practiced her part until she knew it backwards and forwards.