backwards

ENEnglish
//ˈbækwɜːdz//(Received Pronunciation)

Definitions & Usage

adjective
#1

Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.

Synonyms:
adverb
#2

Synonym of backward; see usage notes there.

Synonyms:
verb
#3

third-person singular simple present indicative of backward

Notable Literary & Historical Quotes

The length of the stoppages could not well be reduced; indeed, they are already too short if we are to believe the tale now current of a wandering Jew sort of passenger—a lady of advanced years who can only alight from a train backwards. Every time she begins to get out a porter rushes up crying "Hurry up, ma'am; train's going!"—and pushes her in again!

1944 May and June, “When the Circle was Steam Operated”, in Railway Magazine, page 150:

My train back is a Class 800 bi-mode. These are not too bad, except for their awful seats - compared with the seats on the HST, they are a step backwards.

2025 November 12, 'Mystery Shopper', “Is Devon the cream of the crop?”, in RAIL, number 1048, page 47:

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