Back and forth
adverb
Moving alternately in opposite directions.
The swing was moving back and forth.
Often appears as...
- rock back and forth
- nod back and forth
adverb
In lively, animated conversation or exchange of thoughts.
There was a lot of back and forth between the committee members.
Often appears as...
- debate back and forth
- argue back and forth
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
Denoting a constant changing from one state to another and back again.
Their back-and-forth decisions were very confusing.
Often appears as...
- back-and-forth game
- back-and-forth discussion
adverb
Moving alternately in opposite directions.
The swing was moving back and forth.
Often appears as...
- rock back and forth
- nod back and forth
adverb
In lively, animated conversation or exchange of thoughts.
There was a lot of back and forth between the committee members.
Often appears as...
- debate back and forth
- argue back and forth
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
Denoting a constant changing from one state to another and back again.
Their back-and-forth decisions were very confusing.
Often appears as...
- back-and-forth game
- back-and-forth discussion
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Motion
Refers to literal movement, often repetitive, as seen in objects or people.
The fan's blades spun back and forth, cooling the room.
Pro Tip 2/3Indecision
Metaphorically describes someone's inability to decide, as if their thoughts are moving in different directions.
She paced back and forth, unable to choose a dress for the party.
Pro Tip 3/3Repeated Action
Used to express actions that are done several times or continuously.
The guard walked back and forth in front of the door.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Motion
Refers to literal movement, often repetitive, as seen in objects or people.
The fan's blades spun back and forth, cooling the room.
Pro Tip 2/3Indecision
Metaphorically describes someone's inability to decide, as if their thoughts are moving in different directions.
She paced back and forth, unable to choose a dress for the party.
Pro Tip 3/3Repeated Action
Used to express actions that are done several times or continuously.
The guard walked back and forth in front of the door.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Motion
Refers to literal movement, often repetitive, as seen in objects or people.
The fan's blades spun back and forth, cooling the room.
Pro Tip 2/3Indecision
Metaphorically describes someone's inability to decide, as if their thoughts are moving in different directions.
She paced back and forth, unable to choose a dress for the party.
Pro Tip 3/3Repeated Action
Used to express actions that are done several times or continuously.
The guard walked back and forth in front of the door.
Never forget "Back and forth"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension