after

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   behind or in the rear

   and Jill came tumbling after

2. 2
   adv

   Behind; later in time; following.

   I left the room, and the dog bounded after.

3. 3
   prep

   Subsequently to; following in time; later than.

   We had a few beers after the game.

4. 4
   prep

   Behind.

   He will leave a trail of destruction after him.

5. 5
   prep

   In pursuit of, seeking.

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

6. 6
   prep

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

   We named him after his grandfather.

7. 7
   prep

   Below, often next below, in importance or rank.

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

8. 8
   prep

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

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

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Indo-European *-teros Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep(o)teros Proto-Germanic *after Old English æfter Middle English after English after From Middle English after, from Old English æfter, from Proto-West Germanic *aftar, from Proto-Germanic *after, *aftiri, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂epoteros (“further behind, further away”), from *h₂epo (“off, away”). Cognate with Scots efter (“after”), North Frisian efter (“after, behind”), West Frisian after, achter, efter (“behind; after”), Low German/Dutch achter (“behind”), German after-…