backward [ˈbækwəd]
Usage note
This word can also be spelled "backwards."
backward(
bahk
-
wuhrd
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g. to run quickly, very tired).
1. (toward the rear)
a. hacia atrás
The soccer player moved backward to avoid the goalie and then scored a goal.El futbolista se movió hacia atrás para evitar al portero y luego anotó un gol.
2. (back first)
a. hacia atrás
Cecilia was walking backward while talking to me and tripped over a step.Cecilia caminaba hacia atrás mientras hablaba conmigo y se tropezó con un escalón.
3. (in reverse order)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g. the big dog).
4. (toward a worse state)
a. atrás
The so-called fiscal reform turned out to be a step backward.La supuesta reforma fiscal resultó ser un paso atrás.
5. (toward the rear)
a. hacia atrás
She got on the bus without even a backward glance.Se subió al camión sin ni siquiera una mirada hacia atrás.
b. atrás
Berta took a step back to keep from falling off the ledge.Berta dio un paso atrás para no caerse del saliente.
6. (with learning difficulties)
A word or phrase that is seldom used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another decade, (e.g. cat, groovy).
(old-fashioned)
An offensive word or phrase used to degrade a person or group of people based on race, gender, sexual preference, etc. (e.g. ghetto).
(pejorative)
a. retrasado
Even a backward child has more sense than that idiotic politician.Hasta un niño retrasado tiene más sentido común que ese político idiota.
7. (underdeveloped)
a. atrasado
Some backward countries still have people stoned to death for adultery.Algunos países atrasados todavía lapidan a las personas por adulterio.
8. (reluctant)
a. reservado
Luke is too backward to ask Daniela to go out with him.Luke es demasiado reservado como para pedirle a Daniela que salga con él.
backward
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g. to run quickly, very tired).
1. (general)
a. hacia atrás
to walk backward and forwardcaminar de un lado para otro
2. (fig)
a.
a step backwardun paso atrás
3. (fig)
a.
to bend or lean over backward to helphacer todo lo posible por ayudar
4. (fig)
a.
to know something backwardconocer algo de pe a pa
backwards [ˈbækwədz]
Word Roots
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Phrases with "backward"
Here are the most popular phrases with "backward." Click the phrases to see the full entry.
| go backward | ir hacia atrás | |
| backward step | paso atrás |
Examples
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