backward-looking
|back-ward-look-ing|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈbæk.wɚd ˌlʊk.ɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæk.wəd ˌlʊk.ɪŋ/
focus on the past
Etymology
Etymology Information
'backward-looking' originates from the combination of 'backward' and 'looking', where 'backward' meant 'toward the back' and 'looking' meant 'gazing or directing one's eyes'.
Historical Evolution
'backward' changed from the Old English word 'bæcweard' and 'looking' from the Old English 'locian', eventually forming the modern English word 'backward-looking'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'looking towards the back', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'focusing on the past'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a focus on the past rather than the future.
The company's backward-looking policies hindered its growth.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/31 18:21