after

adjective

1. located farther aft

Similar word(s): aft

adverb

1. happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

- it didn't happen until afterward

- two hours after that

Similar word(s): afterward, afterwards, later, subsequently

2. behind or in the rear

- and Jill came tumbling after

conjunction

1. Signifies that the action of the clause it starts takes place before the action of the other clause.

- I went home after we had decided to call it a day.

preposition

1. Subsequently to; following in time; later than.

- We had a few beers after the game.

- The time is quarter after eight.

- The Cold War began shortly after the Second World War.

2. Behind.

- He will leave a trail of destruction after him.

3. In pursuit of, seeking.

- He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health.

4. In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.

- We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci.

5. Next in importance or rank.

- The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince.

6. As a result of.

- After your bad behaviour, you will be punished.

7. In spite of.

- After all that has happened, he is still my friend.

- I can't believe that, after all our advice against gambling, you walked into that casino!

8. (Ireland, usually preceded by a form of be, followed by an -ing form of a verb) Used to indicate recent completion of an activity

- I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door.

9. (dated) According to an author or text.

10. Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.

- to look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness

11. (obsolete) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.