adv
backwards
BAK-wurdz
adv
1
Toward the back, or in reverse of the usual direction or order.
"He counted backwards from ten before the fireworks went off."
"She read the message backwards just to see if it made any sense that way."
How to Use Backwards
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving or facing the opposite way to normal, or in reverse order.
UK vs US
British English favors "backwards" as the adverb ("walk backwards"), while American English often uses "backward" for the same role, though both forms are understood everywhere.
Common pairings
walk backwards
count backwards
bend over backwards
Word Forms
more backwards comparative, more backwards comparative, most backwards superlative, most backwards superlative
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He counted _____ from ten before the fireworks went off.
Etymology
Formed from backward plus the adverbial ending -s, in the same pattern as "afterwards" or "towards."