afterthought

American  

[af-ter-thawt, ahf-] / ˈæf tərˌθɔt, ˈɑf- /

noun

1. a later or second thought; reconsideration.

2. reflection after an act; an appropriate explanation, answer, expedient, or the like, conceived of too late for the occasion.

3. something added, as a part or feature, that was not included in the original plan or design.

   The vestry was added to the church as an afterthought.

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afterthought British  

/ ˈɑːftəˌθɔːt /

noun

1. a comment, reply, etc, that occurs to one after the opportunity to deliver it has passed

2. an addition to something already completed

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Etymology

Origin of afterthought

First recorded in 1655–65; after + thought ¹

Example Sentences

As the Games continue in Milan, the sport itself seems to have become an afterthought in discussions of both athletes.

From BBC

As an afterthought, I hold out the Oreos with a hopeful smile.

From Literature

Today, its solar business is almost an afterthought, though it has taken on new importance as Musk talks about a galaxy in which his orbital data centers need solar panels.

From The Wall Street Journal

When I started trading 25 years ago, everyone taught technical analysis first and treated psychology as an afterthought.

From MarketWatch

“At the turn of the 20th century, rides were almost an afterthought at amusement parks,” says Jim Futrell, historian at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, an industry trade organization.

From The Wall Street Journal