Backward

Backward is an English word used as an adjective and an adverb. It can describe direction toward the rear or behind, as in moving backward, or it can refer to time or progress, as in looking backward or lagging behind. The variant backwards is also used, especially in British English, where it is common for adverbial placement; in American English, backward is often preferred for both adjective and adverb uses.

Etymology: Backward is formed from the noun back combined with the directional suffix -ward, meaning toward. The construction expresses motion or orientation toward the rear and has Old English and other Germanic roots. Over time, the sense extended from physical direction to include temporal and figurative meanings such as regression or delay.

Usage: In physical terms, backward describes reverse motion: a car rolling backward or a step backward. In temporal or developmental contexts, it denotes lag or regression—being backward in development or progress. In technology, backward or backward-compatible describes systems capable of running older software or data formats. In general discourse, backward can also imply a return to a previous state or looking to the past, though its use may be tempered by context to avoid pejorative implications.

See also: rearward, backwards, backwardness, back, backward in time.