- 1later than something; following something in time We'll leave after lunch. They arrived shortly after 5. Not long after that he resigned. Let's meet the day after tomorrow/the week after next. After winning the prize, she became famous overnight. After an hour I went home (= when an hour had passed). It's ten after seven in the morning (= 7:10 a.m.)
- 2… after… used to show that something happens many times or continuously day after day of hot weather I've told you time after time not to do that. see one after another/the other
- 3behind someone when they have left; following someone Shut the door after you. I'm always having to clean up after the kids (= clean the place after they have left it dirty or messy). He ran after her with the book. She was left staring after him.
- 4next to and following someone or something in order or importance Your name comes after mine on the list. He's the tallest, after Richard. After you (= Please go first). I'll jump into the pool after she does.
- 5in contrast to something It was pleasantly cool in the house after the sticky heat outside.
- 6as a result of or because of something that has happened I'll never forgive him after what he said.
- 7despite something; although something has happened I can't believe she'd do that, not after all I've done for her.
- 8trying to find or catch someone or something The police are after him. He's after a job at our place.
- 9about someone or something She asked after you (= how you were).
- 10in the style of someone or something; following the example of someone or something a painting after Goya We named the baby “Lillian” after her grandmother.
- 11after- (in adjectives) happening or done later than the time or event mentioned after-hours drinking (= after closing time) an after-school club after-dinner mints Idioms
- 1despite what has been said or expected So you made it after all!
- 2used when you are explaining something, or giving a reason He should have paid. He suggested it, after all.
Check pronunciation: after