An afterword is a literary term that refers to a piece of writing that comes after the main text of a book or other written work. This article will explore the definition and meaning of the term afterword, its origin, and its associations, as well as its synonyms, antonyms, and examples of usage.
Definitions
An afterword is a piece of writing that comes after the main text of a book or other written work. It can be written by the author or by someone else, and it may provide additional context, explanation, or reflection on the work that has just been read.
Origin
The term afterword comes from the Old English word “æfter” which means “after” and the word “word” which refers to a unit of speech or writing. The term has been in use since the 19th century, and its usage has become more common in recent years.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an afterword is “a concluding section or commentary at the end of a book, typically by the author.” Merriam-Webster defines afterword as “a concluding section that is usually supplementary to a book, article, or other text.” Collins Dictionary defines afterword as “a piece of writing that comes at the end of a book, usually written by the author, that comments on the contents of the book or gives some additional information.”
Associations
An afterword is often associated with non-fiction books, such as memoirs, biographies, and history books, where the author may provide additional context or reflection on the events or people they are writing about. However, it can also be found in works of fiction, where the author may provide insights into the writing process or the themes of the work.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for afterword include epilogue, postscript, conclusion, and closing remarks.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for afterword, as it is a specific term that refers to a piece of writing that comes after the main text of a book.
The same root words
The root words of afterword are “after” and “word.” Other words that share these roots include afterthought, afterward, and afterword.
Example Sentences
- The author’s afterword provided valuable insights into the research process that went into writing the book.
- The afterword by the editor gave readers a better understanding of the historical context in which the book was written.
- The epilogue served as a satisfying conclusion to the story, tying up loose ends and providing closure for the reader.