after
She arrived after the meeting had started.
She arrived at a time that came later than the meeting's start.
in the time following; later than
The sun came out after the rain stopped.
The sun appeared following the end of the rain.
He left after finishing his work.
He departed at a time that came subsequent to completing his tasks.
Used to indicate time sequence or consequence. Often followed by a noun, clause, or verb phrase.
in pursuit or search of
The police are after the thief.
The police are pursuing the thief.
Informal usage, often implies pursuit or desire.
in spite of; despite
After all his efforts, he still failed.
Despite all his efforts, he still failed.
Used to introduce a contrasting or surprising outcome.
later in time; subsequently
See you after!
I will see you at a later time.
Used as an adverb to indicate a later time.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Preposition vs. Conjunction
Use 'after' as a preposition with nouns ('after lunch') or as a conjunction with clauses ('after I finish'). Do not use it as a conjunction with a noun (e.g., 'after the meeting ended' is correct, but 'after the meeting ending' is incorrect).
Gold Rule
Time Sequence
When indicating time sequence, 'after' is followed by a noun, gerund (-ing form), or clause. Example: 'After the movie, we went for a walk.'
Pursuit or Desire
In informal contexts, 'after' can mean 'in pursuit of' or 'desiring'. Example: 'She's after a promotion.'
Word Origin
Old English 'æfter', of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse 'eptir', Old High German 'after', and Dutch 'achter'. The original sense was 'behind in place or order', later extending to 'in pursuit of' and 'subsequent in time'.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in time expressions, sequences, and informal contexts. Often confused with 'afterwards' (adverb) or 'afterward' (American English variant). 'After' is preferred when indicating time sequence, while 'afterwards' emphasizes the time that follows an event.