backward

• Décrit une direction opposée à l'avancement vers l'avant ; également utilisé pour qualifier quelqu'un ou quelque chose de moins développé ou qui progresse lentement.

Describes a direction opposite to forward; also used to describe someone or something that is less developed or slow to progress.

1. Directed behindB1formal

   Directed or facing toward the back or rear.

   Dirigé vers l'arrière

   • He took a backward step to avoid the obstacle.
   • The car moved in a backward direction.
   • She gave a backward glance as she left the room.

   Synonymesrearwardretrogradereverse

   Antonymesforwardfrontward

2. Less developedB2formal

   Having made less progress than is usual or expected; underdeveloped.

   arriéré

   • The region was considered backward in terms of technology.
   • They criticized the country's backward economic policies.
   • The school system was seen as backward compared to others.

   Synonymesbehinddepriveddisadvantagedlaggingprimitiveunderdevelopedundevelopedunsophisticated

   Antonymesadvanceddevelopedprogressive

3. Shy or hesitantB2informal

   Reluctant to act or express oneself; reserved.

   Timide, réservé

   • He was backward about sharing his opinion.
   • She felt backward in the presence of strangers.
   • Don't be so backward; just ask for what you want.

   Synonymesbashfuldiffidentreservedreticentshytimid

   Antonymesassertiveboldconfidentforwardoutgoing

• Adverbe signifiant « vers l'arrière » ou « dans la direction opposée ». Peut aussi décrire un mouvement ou un regard en arrière. En anglais américain, « backward » est souvent interchangeable avec « backwards », bien que « backward » soit plus courant comme adjectif.

An adverb meaning 'toward the rear' or 'in a reverse direction.' It can also describe a manner of moving or looking behind. In American English, 'backward' is often used interchangeably with 'backwards,' though 'backward' is more common as an adjective.

1. Direction opposite to forwardA2formal

   Toward the back or rear; in a direction opposite to the one you are facing.

   En arrière (direction opposée à l'avant)

   • He took a step backward to avoid the puddle.
   • The car rolled backward down the hill.
   • She glanced backward to see if anyone was following.

   Synonymesbackbackwardsrearwardrearwards

   Antonymesforward

2. In reverse orderB1formal

   From the end to the beginning; in a sequence opposite to the usual.

   en sens inverse

   • Can you count backward from ten?
   • He read the list backward by mistake.
   • The movie was played backward for a special effect.

   Synonymesbackwardsconverselyinverselyreversethe other way around

   Antonymesforward

3. Toward a worse stateB2formal

   Toward a less developed or less advanced condition.

   Vers un état pire

   • The country is moving backward in terms of human rights.
   • His health has gone backward since the treatment stopped.
   • The project took a step backward after the budget cuts.

   Synonymesbackwardsdownhill

   Antonymesaheadforward