backwards English · revision 10407

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1513|origins=en backward}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈbækwɜːdz/ ''(UK)''; /ˈbækwɜɹdz/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[backward]] with the adverbial genitive ending -s.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Backward itself is Middle English bakward (before 1325), from abakward, modelled on hindeward and foreward with the Old English suffix -weard, toward.^(Barnhart 1988)

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+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Toward the back, in the various senses of backward: 1513 in the OED, the 1510s in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ As an adjective, equal to backward, it was used rarely from 1627 and is obsolete.^(OED 1989) The figurative phrase ''bend over backwards'', to make every effort, is recorded from 1901.^(Etymonline) In dialects from Yorkshire to Herefordshire, backwards was used for back premises or the back part of a house.^(Wright 1898)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * before 1325 – backward.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1513 – backwards.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1901 – bend over backwards.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adverb===

+ # Toward the back or rear.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+ # With the back first, or in reverse order or direction.^(OED 1989)

+ # Toward a worse or earlier state.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[forwards]]

+ * [[towards]]

+ * [[backward]]

+ * [[back]]

+ * [[-wards]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ Backward and backwards are both used as adverbs; as an adjective only backward is used.^(OED 1989)

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+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}