The meaning of BACKWARD is toward the back or rear. How to use backward 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.

backward adjective (OPPOSITE DIRECTION) toward the direction that is the opposite to the one in which you are facing:

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 …

4 days ago · Adjective backward (comparative more backward, superlative most backward) Indicating position or direction. Situated toward or at the rear of something.