Afterward is a word that is commonly used in both written and spoken English. It is often used to describe something that happens after a particular event or action. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of the word “afterward.”
Definitions
Afterward is an adverb that means “at a later time,” “following an event,” or “subsequently.” It can also be used as a conjunction to connect two clauses or sentences, indicating that the second action or event occurred after the first.
Origin
The word afterward has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled “æfterweard.” It is a combination of two words: “æfter,” meaning “after,” and “weard,” meaning “toward.” Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word changed, but its meaning remained the same.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, afterward means “at a later time; subsequently.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “at a later or succeeding time,” while Cambridge Dictionary states that it means “later, after something else has happened.”
Associations
The word afterward is often associated with the passage of time and the sequencing of events. It is commonly used in storytelling to indicate what happened next or to describe the consequences of a particular action.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of afterward include subsequently, later, thereafter, thereafterward, next, and following.
Antonyms
Antonyms of afterward include before, earlier, previously, and formerly.
The same root words
Words that share the same root as afterward include aft, after, and thereafter.
Example Sentences
- Afterward, we went to the movies.
- He finished his work and afterward went for a walk.
- She ate her breakfast and afterward went to work.
- They played a game of tennis, and afterward, they went to get some ice cream.
- I will call you afterward to discuss the details.
In conclusion, afterward is a common adverb used to describe something that happens after a particular event or action. It has its roots in Old English and has been in use for many centuries. The word is associated with the sequencing of events and the passage of time. It has several synonyms and antonyms, and its meaning is consistent across different dictionaries.