— backwardly , adv. — backwardness , n.
/bak"weuhrd/ , adv. Also, backwards .
1. toward the back or rear.
2. with the back foremost.
3. in the reverse of the usual or right way: counting backward from 100.
4. toward the past: to look backward over one's earlier mistakes.
5. toward a less advanced state; retrogressively: Since the overthrow of the president the country has moved steadily backward.
6. backward and forward , thoroughly: He knew his lesson backward and forward. Also, backwards and forwards .
adj.
7. directed toward the back or past.
8. reversed; returning: a backward movement; a backward journey.
9. behind in time or progress; late; slow: a backward learner; a backward country.
10. bashful or hesitant; shy: a backward lover.
[ 1250-1300; ME bakwarde. See BACK 1 , -WARD ]
Syn. 9. tardy; retarded, underdeveloped. 10. disinclined; timid, retiring.
Ant. 1. forward.