following in time, place, or order, later than (a particular time or event), in pursuit or quest of

day after day, look after, after all

Formal and Informal Expressions of after

In different contexts, you can replace 'after' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'subsequent to, following' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'past, later than' is a commonplace synonym.

after: Explore its Definition & Usage

after Definition

1following in time, place, or order
2later than (a particular time or event)
3in pursuit or quest of

Using after: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "after" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
We went for a walk after dinner.
Example
I'll call you after I finish work.
Example
He ran after the thief.

after Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for after

following
behind
subsequent to
in the wake of

Antonyms for after

before
prior to

Phrases with after

day after day
repeatedly, continuously
Example
She worked hard day after day to achieve her goals.
look after
take care of, attend to
Example
She looks after her elderly parents every weekend.
after all
despite everything, nevertheless
Example
I thought he was guilty, but after all, he was innocent.

Origins of after

from Old English 'æfter'

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Summary: after in Brief

The word 'after' [ˈɑːftə(r)] refers to something that comes later in time, place, or order. It can be used as a preposition, adverb, or conjunction. Examples include 'We went for a walk after dinner,' 'I'll call you after I finish work,' and 'He ran after the thief.' Phrases like 'day after day' and 'look after' use 'after' to denote repetition or taking care of something, respectively.