afterward
Americanadverb
Etymology
Origin of afterward
First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English æfterweard, alteration (with -r- of æfter after ) of æfteweard, equivalent to æfte-, æftan aft 1 + -weard -ward
Explanation
If something happens afterward, it occurs after some original event or time. When kids get out of school at 2:00 p.m., teachers generally go home some time afterward. You might attend a reading by an author and then go to the reception afterward, or eat dinner with your family and then go out for ice cream afterward. You can also use the word afterwards — although afterward came first, from the Old English æftanweard, combining æftan, "after," and the direction suffix -weard. The original English form, aftward, was a nautical term.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Russian leader said afterward that Moscow was ready in principle to rejoin talks with Ukraine and the United States to end the war.
From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026
Mignon’s sister Nelly and brother-in-law Ernst fled to New York City soon afterward.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
One friend would debut a play, naturally, and everyone would come back to my apartment afterward for cocktails and canapés on the fire escape.
From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2026
But when you are successful, first financially and afterward, the wolves come in to find a problem.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
Commenting on his win afterward, Bobby said: “I could have played better.”
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
