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Word Analysis

backward-looking

Complete linguistic analysis including syllable division, pronunciation, morphology, and definitions.

4 syllables
16 characters
English (US)
Enriched
4syllables

backwardlooking

Linguistic Analysis

Syllables

back-ward-look-ing

Pronunciation

[ˈbæk.wərdˈlʊ.kɪŋ]

Stress

0101

Morphemes

back- + look + -ward

The word 'backward-looking' is an adjective meaning directed toward the past. It is divided into four syllables: back-ward-look-ing, with primary stress on the second and fourth syllables. It follows standard English syllabification rules.

Definitions

adjective
  1. 1

    Directed toward the past; concerned with past events or conditions.

    “a backward-looking policy.”

    syn:retrospectiverearward
    ant:forward-looking

Stress pattern

Primary stress on the second syllable (ward) and the fourth syllable (ing).

Syllables

4
back-[bæk]
ward-[wɔrd]
look-[lʊk]
ing[ɪŋ]

back- — Open syllable.. ward- — Open syllable.. look- — Closed syllable.. ing — Closed syllable, present participle.

Word Parts

pre

back-

Indicates direction or return.

root

look

To turn one's eyes in a specific direction.

suf

-ward

Directional suffix.

Similar Words

for­ward­look­ingout­ward­look­ingin­ward­look­ing

Open Syllable

Syllables ending in a vowel are considered open syllables.

Closed Syllable

Syllables ending in a consonant are considered closed syllables.

  • The compound word is formed by combining the prefix 'back-' with the adjective 'looking'.
Analysis by gemma3:27b · 8/10/2025

Nearby Words

17 words
backward-looking(current)
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