What does "backwards" mean?

1. (reverse order) doing something in the opposite order, from the end to the beginning. 2. (directed toward the back) facing or moving toward the back. 3. (knowing something very well) to know a subject or a piece of information perfectly.

backwards

adv. · adj.

US //ˈbækwɝdz// UK //bˈækwədz// back·wards

1 reverse order (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

doing something in the opposite order, from the end to the beginning.

in a reverse direction or order from the usual one.

Example

Can you say the alphabet backwards starting from Z?

Example

The witness was asked to recount the events backwards to see if his story remained consistent under pressure.
- reverse
- inversely
- chronologically
- normally
2 directed toward the back (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

facing or moving toward the back.

directed or moving toward the rear.

Example

He took a quick backwards step when he saw the snake.

Example

The sudden backwards motion of the train caused several standing passengers to lose their balance and grab the handrails.
- rearward
- regressive
- forward

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3 knowing something very well (adv.)
C1 Advanced Informal

to know a subject or a piece of information perfectly.

to have thorough or complete knowledge of something; used in the idiom 'to know something backwards'.

Example

She has been studying for weeks and knows the material backwards.

Example

The lead engineer knew the schematics backwards, allowing him to identify the fault without even looking at the manual.
- thoroughly
- inside out

Etymology 1

From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English bakwardis, bakwardis, a variant of Middle English bakwarde, bakward (“backward”). Equivalent to backward + -s. Compare Saterland Frisian bäkove (“backwards”).

Etymology 3

An inflection.

Idioms2 entries