Backward
/ˈbæk.wərd/noun
Directed toward the rear or in reverse order or direction.
Did you know?Backward is a native English formation from back + the old directional suffix -ward, and that same ancient directional root shows up in words like away and abroad, all built around movement and orientation.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
bæcweard
“toward the back; backward”
Old English
OE
bæc
“the back; rear part”
Old English
OE
-weard
“toward; in the direction of”
Middle English
ME
bakward
“backward; in reverse direction”
Modern English
English
backward
“directed toward the rear or in reverse order or direction”