after

/ˈæf.tə(ɹ)//ˈæf.tɚ/
🟢 Elementary

Word Statistics

Difficulty LevelElementary

Common everyday word

Word FrequencyVery Common

Used frequently in everyday conversation

Syllables2

Moderate complexity

Analysis:

  • Very common word
  • Used in everyday conversation

adjective

1. Later; second (of two); next, following, subsequent

2. (where the frame of reference is within the ship) At or towards the stern of a ship.

"The after gun is abaft the forward gun."

adverb

1. Behind; later in time; following.

"I left the room, and the dog bounded after."

preposition

1. Subsequently to; following in time; later than.

"The Cold War began shortly after the Second World War."

2. Behind.

"He will leave a trail of destruction after him."

3. In pursuit of, seeking.

"He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health."

4. In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.

"We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci."

5. Next in importance or rank.

"The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince."

6. As a result of.

"After your bad behaviour, you will be punished."

7. In spite of.

"After all that has happened, he is still my friend."

8. (usually preceded by a form of be, followed by an -ing form of a verb) Used to indicate recent completion of an activity

"I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door."

9. According to an author or text.

10. Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.

"to look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness"

11. According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.

Synonyms

conjunction

1. Signifies that the action of the clause it starts takes place before the action of the other clause.

"I went home after we had decided to call it a day."

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