'often-backed' is a compound word formed from 'often' and 'backed'. 'Often' originates from Old English 'oft', meaning 'frequently', and 'backed' is the past participle of 'back', meaning 'to support'.

'Often' evolved from Old English 'oft' and 'backed' from Middle English 'bakken', eventually forming the modern English compound 'often-backed'.

Initially, 'often' meant 'frequently', and 'backed' meant 'supported'. The compound 'often-backed' retains these meanings, indicating frequent support.