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following

following

1.0
Moving in the same direction as another thing
  • adjective
  • /ˈfɑloʊɪŋ/
translation icon : a favor
  • The dog was happily following its owner through the park.

Examples

  • Ian is taking the lead right now at six points, Shane following close behind.

  • And we got underway and we went S, you know, following the river, which flows South.

  • The car was following the bus down the busy road.

  • She was following the instructions carefully to complete the project.

Synonyms

to follow
vsfollowing
1.0

To move behind someone or go along the same path

is specifically about moving in the same direction or immediately behind
hot on someone's heels
vsfollowing
  • Informal
6.1

Close behind someone and almost catching them

is broader meaning moving in the same direction or just behind
pursuing
vsfollowing
3.2

Following someone to try to catch them

is about moving in the same direction or immediately behind without that intent

Antonyms

3.4

Ahead of others in a game or race

Compounds

A group of people who strongly support a person, idea, or product without question

How Close

stalking
  • Offensive
40 6.1
shadowing
2 6.8
tailing
12 7.1
following
1.0
trailing
3.7

Surface Forms

following positive

Morphology

following = follow (transparent) = follow + ing

Adjectival/participial use of 'follow' indicating motion or position behind; the relation to 'follow' is direct and clear.

Etymology

Following comes from the verb follow, which means 'to go after'. A following wind or current 'goes after' you from behind, so it helps you move in the same direction.