after
/ˈæftər/At a time subsequent to; following in time
We'll leave after lunch.
They arrived after the meeting started.
In pursuit or search of
The dog ran after the ball.
She went after her lost keys.
According to or in accordance with
Do it after the instructions.
The decision was made after careful consideration.
Behind in position, rank, or importance
He finished after everyone else.
The afterthought came to her later.
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💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
When 'after' is used as a preposition, it is often followed by a noun or pronoun. For example, 'She arrived after the meeting.' When used as a conjunction, it is followed by a clause. For example, 'After she finished her work, she went home.'
⚡Gold Rule
Time Indication
'After' is commonly used to indicate a time sequence, such as 'after lunch' or 'after the meeting.'
📖Word Origin
Old English æfter, from Proto-Germanic *after, from Proto-Indo-European *aptero- 'after, behind'.
📝Usage Notes
The word 'after' can function as a preposition, adverb, or conjunction depending on the context. As a preposition, it typically indicates time or sequence. As an adverb, it often means 'later' or 'subsequently'. As a conjunction, it can introduce a subordinate clause indicating time.