⏰ Later in time 🚶 Following behind 🚢 At the rear

after

∞ 1.0

Behind someone or something, for example in a line

adverb
/ˈæftər/

: detrás

And you start race walking after him when you could just run.
before and after

Examples

We'll all go in after.

The Benchwarmers (2006)
Uh, you know what, we'll be in the kitchen if you guys want ice cream after.

I Used to Be Funny (2024)
"We have one hundred twenty children to look after," the woman said to him.

Fiction book (1993)
And she flew away, and I followed after, looking for her.

Fiction book (1993)
I'll see her today, actually, right after the eclipse.
I'll make sure she's looked after.

Jack Ensch: Hanoi Hilton POW (2016)
She followed the path that led after the large oak tree.
We found the hidden treasure chest after the old lighthouse.
He parked his car carefully after the traffic light.

Synonyms

following

vsafter

6 1.0

Moving in the same direction as another thing

indicates being behind in space or order without implying movement

Antonyms

ahead

∞ 1.0

In front or moving forward to make progress

Idioms

after all

∞ 3.0

To give a reason or say something is true despite doubts

one after another

123 2.3

Things follow each other without a break

day after day

Informal

81 2.2

Happens again and again for many days in a row

one after the other

32 2.0

With no pause between actions or events

week after week

20 1.0

Happening many weeks in a row

after my own heart

Informal

6 7.0

Something I like a lot and agree with

after a fashion

Informal

3 6.1

In a way that works a little but not very well

to throw good money after bad

3 7.5

To keep spending money on something that is already failing

after the dust settles

Informal

2 4.1

A time when things become calm and clear after a big change

to close the stable door after the horse has bolted

Informal

8.5

To do something useful only after it is already too late

after the Lord Mayor's show

9.9

A quiet time after a big public celebration when excitement ends

seventh water after kissel

Archaic

9.9

A thing that is very weak, confusing, and far removed from the original idea

Compounds

after-work

131 3.7

Happening after the workday ends

after-school

71 2.0

Happening after regular school classes finish, often as activities for students

after hours

55 3.2

At a time after normal business hours when most places are closed

after-hours

34 4.4

Happening or open after the usual closing time

sought after

30 4.1

Wanted by many people

morning-after pill

16 3.9

A pill you take after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy

accessory after the fact

Specialized

9 8.4

A person who helps or hides someone after they commit a serious crime

after-shave

2 3.4

Scented liquid you put on your face after shaving to soothe and refresh skin

point after

2 6.5

An extra score after a touchdown for a successful kick

point after touchdown

1 5.5

An extra point you score by kicking the ball through the goal posts after a touchdown

after part

Specialized

1 9.1

The back part of a ship

after-shave lotion

1 2.9

A scented lotion men use on their face after shaving to soothe and refresh the skin

after-work

Informal

3.5

A casual gathering with colleagues after the workday to relax

fore-and-after

Specialized

9.9

A sailing boat with sails that run along its length

How Close

side by side

148 2.2

in tandem

1 3.7

after

∞ 1.0

apart

545 1.0

Surface Forms

after positive

Etymology

The word after also originally meant 'behind' or 'following' in space or order. So when you say someone walked after a friend, you mean they are 'behind' or 'following' them.