Backwardly

back·ward  (bkwrd)

adj.

1. Directed or facing toward the back or rear.

2. Done or arranged in a manner or order that is opposite to previous occurrence or normal use.

3. Unwilling to act; reluctant; shy.

4. Behind others in progress or development: The technology was backward, but the system worked.

adv. or back·wards (-wrdz)

1. To or toward the back or rear.

2. With the back leading.

3. In a reverse manner or order.

4. To, toward, or into the past.

5. Toward a worse or less advanced condition.

---

backward·ly adv.

backward·ness n.

Usage Note: The adverb may be spelled backward or backwards, and these forms are interchangeable: stepped backward; a mirror facing backwards. In Standard English, however, the adjective has no -s: a backward view.