a backward step — un passo indietro
(reluctant)
backward (in doing sth) — restio (-a) (a fare qc)English-Italian dictionary. 2013.
backward — back|ward1 [ bækwərd ] adjective * 1. ) only before noun moving or looking in the direction that is behind you: a backward glance 2. ) not developing quickly, normally, and successfully: a remote and backward region a ) OLD FASHIONED an offensive … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
Backward — Back ward, Backwards Back wards, adv. [Back, adv. + ward.] 1. With the back in advance or foremost; as, to ride backward. [1913 Webster] 2. Toward the back; toward the rear; as, to throw the arms backward. [1913 Webster] 3. On the back, or with… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Backward — Back ward, a. 1. Directed to the back or rear; as, backward glances. [1913 Webster] 2. Unwilling; averse; reluctant; hesitating; loath. [1913 Webster] For wiser brutes were backward to be slaves. Pope. [1913 Webster] 3. Not well advanced in… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Backward — Back ward, v. t. To keep back; to hinder. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Backward — Back ward, n. The state behind or past. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] In the dark backward and abysm of time. Shak. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
backward — back•ward [[t]ˈbæk wərd[/t]] adv. Also, back′wards. 1) toward the back or rear 2) with the back foremost 3) in the reverse of the usual or right way: counting backward from 100[/ex] 4) toward the past 5) toward a less advanced state;… … From formal English to slang
backward — [bak′wərd] adv. [ME bakward, for abakward < abak (< OE on bæc, back) + ward (< OE weard, toward)] 1. toward the back or rear; behind 2. with the back or rear foremost 3. in reverse [to spell a word backward] 4. in a way contrary to the… … English World dictionary
backward-looking — backˈward looking adjective 1. Having more regard to the past than the future 2. Conservative, reactionary • • • Main Entry: ↑back * * * backward looking UK US adjective not interested in new ideas or ways of doing things Thesaurus: old fashioned … Useful english dictionary
backward — back|ward [ˈbækwəd US wərd] adj 1.) [only before noun] looking or facing in the direction that is behind you ≠ ↑forward ▪ She went without a backward glance. 2.) developing slowly and less successfully than most others ▪ It will take decades to… … Dictionary of contemporary English
backward — back·ward … English syllables
backward — (adv.) c.1300, from abakward, from O.E. on bæc (see BACK (Cf. back) (adv.)) + weard adj./adv. suffix (see WARD (Cf. ward)). O.E. had the adverb bæcling. As an adjective, from 1550s. Meaning behindhand with regard to progress is first attested… … Etymology dictionary
