First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1after
adverb af·ter \ˈaf-tər\
: following in time : at a later time
Full Definition of AFTER
See after defined for English-language learners
See after defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of AFTER
Middle English, from Old English æfter; akin to Old High German aftar after, and probably to Old English of of
Related to AFTER
- Synonyms
- afterward (or afterwards), later, latterly, subsequently, thereafter
- Antonyms
- afore [chiefly dialect], ahead, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, previously
2after
preposition
: at a time following (something or someone) : later than (something or someone)
—used to describe a time following a specified hour
: following and because of (something)
Full Definition of AFTER
1
a : behind in place <people lined up one after another> b (1) : subsequent to in time or order <20 minutes after 6> (2) : subsequent to and in view of <after all our advice>
2
—used as a function word to indicate the object of a stated or implied action <go after gold> <was asking after you>
3
: so as to resemble: as a : in accordance with b : with the name of or a name derived from that of <named after his father> c : in the characteristic manner of : in imitation of <writing after the manner of Hemingway>
See after defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of AFTER
before 12th century
3after
conjunction
: later than the time that : later than when
Full Definition of AFTER
: subsequently to the time when <we will come after we make plans>
See after defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of AFTER
before 12th century
4after
adjective
: later in time
Full Definition of AFTER
1
: later in time <in after years>
2
: located toward the rear and especially toward the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft
See after defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of AFTER
before 12th century
5after
verbal auxiliary af·ter \ˈäf-tər\
Definition of AFTER
chiefly Irish —used with a present participle to indicate action completed and especially just completed <the poor old man is after dying on me — J. M. Synge>
First Known Use of AFTER
1792
6after
noun
AFTER Defined for Kids
1after
adverb af·ter \ˈaf-tər\
Definition of AFTER for Kids
: following in time or place : at a later time <He ate and left immediately after.>
2after
preposition
Definition of AFTER for Kids
1
: behind in time or place <They got there after me.> <after lunch>
2
: for the reason of catching, seizing, or getting <Run after the ball.> <They're going after the championship.>
3
: following in order or in a series <The number 20 comes before 21 and after 19.>
4
: following the actions or departure of <Don't expect me to clean up after you.>
5
: with the name of <He's named after his father.>
3after
conjunction
Definition of AFTER for Kids
: following the time when <I opened the door after she knocked.>
Learn More About AFTER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: after–acquired evidencePrevious Word in the Dictionary: aftenAll Words Near: after
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up after? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).