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backward

[/ˈbækwərd/]
adjective/adverb
para trás; atrasado; retrógrado
1. directed toward or situated in the rear; moving in reverse direction
He took a backward step away from the edge.
Ele deu um passo para trás, longe da beira.
2. slow in development; not advanced; behind in progress
The country is considered backward in terms of technology.
O país é considerado atrasado em termos de tecnologia.
3. reluctant; unwilling or shy
He was backward about asking for help.
Ele era relutante em pedir ajuda.
4. of or relating to the past; conservative or reactionary
Some viewed his ideas as backward thinking.
Alguns viam suas ideias como pensamento retrógrado.
Synonyms
reversebehindunderdevelopedreluctantshyregressive
Antonyms
forwardadvancedprogressiveboldwilling

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
para trás; atrasado; retrógrado
most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
atrasado; para trás
emphasizes developmental delay
Portugal
para trás; atrasado; regressivo
similar to Brazilian but may use 'regressivo' more frequently

Related Idioms & Phrases

bend over backward - fazer tudo o que é possível (to go to great lengths)
backward and forward - para frente e para trás (back and forth)
know something backward - conhecer algo de cor (to know thoroughly)
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