The difference between Backward and Smart

When used as nouns, backward means the state behind or past, whereas smart means a sharp, quick, lively pain.

When used as adjectives, backward means in the direction towards the back, whereas smart means exhibiting social ability or cleverness.


Backward is also adverb with the meaning: in the direction towards the back.

Smart is also verb with the meaning: to hurt or sting.

check bellow for the other definitions of Backward and Smart

  1. Backward as an adjective (of motion):

    In the direction towards the back.

    Examples:

    "They left without a backward glance."

  2. Backward as an adjective (of motion):

    In the direction reverse of normal.

    Examples:

    "The occasional backward movement of planets is evidence they revolve around the sun."

  3. Backward as an adjective:

    Reluctant or unable to advance.

  4. Backward as an adjective:

    Of a culture: undeveloped or unsophisticated.

  5. Backward as an adjective:

    Of a thought or value: outdated.

  6. Backward as an adjective (cricket):

    On that part of the field behind the batsman's popping crease.

  7. Backward as an adjective (cricket):

    Further behind the batsman's popping crease than something else.

  8. Backward as an adjective (obsolete):

    Unwilling; averse; reluctant.

  9. Backward as an adjective:

    Slow to apprehend; having difficulties in learning.

    Examples:

    "a backward child"

  10. Backward as an adjective:

    Late or behindhand.

    Examples:

    "a backward season"

  11. Backward as an adjective (obsolete):

    Already past or gone; bygone.

  1. Backward as an adverb (of motion):

    In the direction towards the back; backwards

    Examples:

    "to walk or ride backward; to throw the arms backward"

  2. Backward as an adverb:

    Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.

  3. Backward as an adverb:

    By way of reflection; reflexively.

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Sir J. Davies"

  4. Backward as an adverb:

    From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin.

  1. Backward as a noun:

    The state behind or past.

  1. Smart as a verb (intransitive):

    To hurt or sting.

    Examples:

    "After being hit with a pitch, the batter exclaimed "Ouch, my arm smarts!"

  2. Smart as a verb (transitive):

    To cause a smart or sting in.

  3. Smart as a verb (intransitive):

    To feel a pungent pain of mind; to feel sharp pain or grief; to suffer; to feel the sting of evil.

  1. Smart as an adjective:

    Exhibiting social ability or cleverness.

  2. Smart as an adjective (informal):

    Exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books.

  3. Smart as an adjective (often, in combination):

    Equipped with digital/computer technology.

    Examples:

    "smart bomb'', ''smart car"

    "smartcard'', ''smartphone"

  4. Smart as an adjective:

    Good-looking.

    Examples:

    "a smart outfit"

  5. Smart as an adjective:

    Cleverly shrewd and humorous in a way that may be rude and disrespectful.

    Examples:

    "He became tired of his daughter's sarcasm and smart remarks''."

    "Don't get smart with me!"

  6. Smart as an adjective:

    Sudden and intense.

  7. Smart as an adjective:

    Causing sharp pain; stinging.

  8. Smart as an adjective:

    Sharp; keen; poignant.

    Examples:

    "a smart pain"

  9. Smart as an adjective (US, Southern, dated):

    Intense in feeling; painful. Used usually with the adverb intensifier right.

    Examples:

    "He raised his voice, and it hurt her feelings right smart."

    "That cast on his leg chaffs him right smart."

  10. Smart as an adjective (archaic):

    Efficient; vigorous; brilliant.

  11. Smart as an adjective (archaic):

    Pretentious; showy; spruce.

    Examples:

    "a smart gown"

  12. Smart as an adjective (archaic):

    Brisk; fresh.

    Examples:

    "a smart breeze"

  1. Smart as a noun:

    A sharp, quick, lively pain; a sting.

  2. Smart as a noun:

    Mental pain or suffering; grief; affliction.

  3. Smart as a noun:

    Smart-money.

  4. Smart as a noun (slang, dated):

    A dandy; one who is smart in dress; one who is brisk, vivacious, or clever.