What does backwardly mean?
'Backwardly' is a rare adverb formed by adding '-ly' to 'backward,' and it describes motion, orientation, or development directed toward the back or in reverse. In its literal sense it parallels the far more common 'backwards,' as when someone glances backwardly over a shoulder. Its figurative sense is more distinctive: to develop backwardly is to regress or lag behind an expected standard, which lends the word a faintly critical tone when applied to policies, institutions, or societies. The adverb's most secure modern foothold is technical: software described as 'backwardly compatible' continues to work with earlier versions, files, or systems. Because 'backwardly' appears so infrequently outside these contexts, writers usually prefer 'backwards' or 'backward,' but the word remains useful where a precise adverbial form of 'backward' is wanted, especially in formal or technical prose.
adverbIn a direction or manner that is behind or reverse; moving or oriented toward the back. Also, in a way that shows regression or lack of development.
- Toward the back or in a reverse direction (physical/movement sense)
- In a manner showing regression, delay, or underdevelopment (figurative sense)
"The crab scuttled backwardly into its crevice."
"He glanced backwardly over his shoulder at the receding shoreline."
"Critics argued the policy moved the region backwardly rather than advancing reform."
In computing, 'backwardly compatible' keeps your old files working on new software — one of the few places this rare adverb still thrives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of backwardly
'Backwardly' derives from 'backward,' which combines the Old English noun 'bæc' (back) with the suffix '-ward,' itself from Old English '-weard' meaning 'turned toward.' This productive Germanic suffix also produced 'forward,' 'inward,' and 'wayward.' The adverb 'backwardly' emerged in English by the early modern period, though exact first attestation is uncertain. It shares its root entirely with 'backward,' functioning simply as that adjective's adverbial derivative rather than descending from a separate source.
Related word forms
How backwardly is actually used
'Backwardly' is markedly less common than 'backwards' or 'backward' and can sound formal or slightly stilted in everyday speech. It survives most reliably in technical contexts such as 'backwardly compatible.' In figurative use it may carry negative connotations of being underdeveloped or outdated.
Easily confused with backwardly
'Backwards' is the far more common everyday adverb for reverse movement, while 'backwardly' is rarer and often carries a figurative sense of underdevelopment.
'Backward' functions mainly as an adjective describing orientation or lack of progress, whereas 'backwardly' is its adverbial form describing how something happens.