How to pronounce backwards
Say it like BAK-werdz. Backwards has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce backwards. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAK
- werdz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backwards pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- werdzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of backwards
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAK-wudz.
What does backwards mean?
- at or to or toward the back or rear“he moved back”“tripped when he stepped backward”
- in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal“it's easy to get the `i' and the `e' backward in words like `seize' and `siege'”“the child put her jersey on backward”
Where does backwards come from?
From backward + -s. See also -s (“used in the formation of certain adverbs: backwards, downwards, inwards, etc.”).
Questions about saying backwards
How do you pronounce backwards?
Say BAK-werdz. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækwɚdz/. In British English it is /ˈbækwədz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backwards?
Backwards has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · werdz.
Is backwards pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbækwədz/ (BAK-wudz).