after

af-ter · preposition

imported

Definitions

preposition

  1. 1.

    Later in time than; following.

  2. 2.

    Behind in place or order.

  3. 3.

    In pursuit or search of.

  4. 4.

    About; concerning.

  5. 5.

    At a time later than when.

  6. 6.

    At a later time; afterwards.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    after all — Despite what was expected or said; used to add a reason.
  • •
    one after another — In succession; consecutively.
  • •
    after a fashion — To some extent, but not very well.
  • •
    day after day — For many consecutive days.
  • •
    look after — Take care of.
  • •
    take after — Resemble a parent or relative.
  • •
    be after — Want to get; be trying to obtain.

Related words

Antonyms: before, prior to
See also: afterward, before, behind, following
Synonyms: behind, following, subsequent to

Etymology

From Old English æfter ("after, behind, following"), from Proto-Germanic after, comparative form related to af ("off, away").