Need another word for Back and forth? Use these synonyms of Back and forth from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
to and fro
reciprocally
alternately
interchangeably
mutually
reversibly
bidirectionally
pendulum-like
seesaw
vacillating
oscillating
fluctuating
wavering
hesitating
stuttering
stammering
stutter
wobble
teeter
zigzag
crisscross
crosswise
sideways
laterally
reciprocally
back-and-forth
sideways
to-and-fro
hither-and-yon
here-and-there
Meaning of Back and forth
The primary meaning of "back and forth" refers to the action of moving or going in opposite directions, often in a repeated or reciprocal manner.
Definitions
- Moving or going in one direction and then returning in the opposite direction, often repeatedly.
- * Used to describe a conversation or discussion that involves a exchange of ideas or opinions between two or more people.
Etymology of Back and forth
The phrase "back and forth" originated in the 14th century, with "back" coming from Old English "bæc" meaning "back" or "backward", and "forth" coming from Old English "forþ" meaning "forward" or "outward".
Historically, the phrase was used to describe physical movement, but its usage has expanded to include figurative meanings, such as describing conversations or discussions.
Example Uses
- The kids ran back and forth across the playground, playing tag with their friends.
- * The negotiations went back and forth for weeks, with neither side willing to compromise.
- * The ball flew back and forth over the net, with each player trying to outmaneuver the other.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
in one direction
straight
forward
onward
ahead
unidirectionally
linearly
statically
steadily
constantly
uniformly
consistently
unchangingly
monotonously
straightforwardly
directly
one-way
single-direction
fixed
stable
unvarying