⏰ Later in time 🚶 Following behind 🚢 At the rear

after

118 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

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

day after day

Informal

65 2.2

Happens again and again for many days in a row

one after the other

17 2.0

With no pause between actions or events

one after another

17 2.3

Things follow each other without a break

week after week

15 1.0

Happening many weeks in a row

after my own heart

Informal

5 7.0

Something I like a lot and agree with

to throw good money after bad

3 7.5

To keep spending money on something that is already failing

after a fashion

Informal

1 6.1

In a way that works a little but not very well

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

after the dust settles

Informal

4.1

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

seventh water after kissel

Archaic

9.9

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

Compounds

after-school

233 2.0

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

after-work

38 3.7

Happening after the workday ends

after hours

31 3.2

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

after-work

Informal

30 3.5

A casual gathering with colleagues after the workday to relax

after-hours

20 4.4

Happening or open after the usual closing time

morning-after pill

12 3.9

A pill you take after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy

accessory after the fact

Specialized

7 8.4

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

sought after

5 4.1

Wanted by many people

point after

1 6.5

An extra score after a touchdown for a successful kick

after part

Specialized

9.1

The back part of a ship

after-shave

3.4

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

after-shave lotion

2.9

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

fore-and-after

Specialized

9.9

A sailing boat with sails that run along its length

point after touchdown

5.5

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

How Close

side by side

98 2.2

in tandem

3.7

after

118 1.0

apart

∞ 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.