Backward is preferred in American usage.
Category: Confusing Words
Axiom vs Axion
Axiom is an established truth, rule of law, or principle.
Axel vs Axle
Axel refers to a difficult jump in figure skating (named after Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen).
Award vs Reward
Award refers to something given as a prize.
Avow vs Vouch
Avow means admitting or declaring something publicly.
Avocation vs Evocation vs Vocation
Avocation refers to something one does outside of work.
Avert vs Avoid vs Divert
Avert means to prevent or ward off something.
Avenge vs Revenge
Avenge means to seek a fair settlement for a wrong.
Avalanche vs Landslide
An avalanche refers to snow, rocks, or other debris coming down a mountainside.
Autocracy vs Autonomy
Autocracy refers to a dictatorship.
Authoritarian vs Authoritative
Authoritarian means requiring absolute obedience to authority.
Authentication vs Authentification
The correct spelling is authentication.