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follow
/ˈfɒloʊ/
to go or come after a person or thing proceeding
She decided to follow her friend to the new restaurant.
She chose to go after her friend to the restaurant.
general
to go or come after a person or thing proceeding
The dog followed its owner home.
The dog went after its owner to their house.
Follow the instructions carefully.
Pay close attention to the steps provided.
Can be used both literally and figuratively.
formal
to adhere to or abide by rules, principles, or customs
We must follow the company's safety protocols.
We are required to adhere to the company's safety guidelines.
Often used in formal or professional contexts.
informal
to watch or observe someone or something closely
He followed her on social media.
He started observing her activities online.
Commonly used in the context of social media.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Follow' is often used in everyday language to describe both physical and metaphorical actions.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'follow' can vary significantly based on the context in which it is used.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'folwen,' from Old English 'folgian,' meaning 'to pursue or accompany.'
Usage Notes
The verb 'follow' can be used both literally and figuratively. It is commonly used to describe physical movement or adherence to rules and principles.
Word Breakdown
fol-
related to pursuing or accompanying
root-low
suffix indicating action or process
suffixEnglish Dictionary