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afterward

adverb

/ˈæf tər wərd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of afterward

To indicate that something occurs or happens subsequent to another event or action.
"The storm passed, and afterward, the sun emerged, casting a warm glow over the landscape."

Detailed meaning of afterward

It signifies a chronological sequence and is used to describe what transpires or is done following a particular point in time or an event. "Afterward" implies that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the preceding event and the subsequent one. It serves to denote the passage of time and can be seen as an adverbial reference to the future, encapsulating the concept of what comes next in a sequence or narrative. For example, after finishing her exams, Sarah went to the park afterward to celebrate her accomplishments. Here, "afterward" indicates that the visit to the park took place after the completion of the exams. Overall, "afterward" is a versatile adverb that allows for the clear expression of temporal progression in various contexts.

Example sentences containing afterward

1. She finished her workout, and afterward, she stretched her muscles.
2. The rain stopped, and afterward, the sun came out.
3. After the meeting, we went for lunch, and afterward, we returned to work.
4. He apologized sincerely, and afterward, they reconciled.
5. After the storm passed, they assessed the damage, and afterward, they began cleanup.
6. The concert ended, and afterward, the crowd dispersed.

History and etymology of afterward

The adverb 'afterward' has its etymological roots in Old English. It is formed from the words 'æfter,' meaning 'after,' and 'weard,' meaning 'direction' or 'toward.' In Old English, 'æfterweard' originally meant 'in the direction of the rear' or 'toward the back.' Over time, the term underwent linguistic simplification, resulting in the modern adverb 'afterward.' It is used to indicate that something occurs or happens subsequent to another event or action. Its etymology underscores the idea of a sequence in time, emphasizing that the event or action in question takes place in the direction of what follows or comes afterward.

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Further usage examples of afterward

1. After the movie, they went for ice cream, and afterward, they walked in the park.
2. He graduated from college, and afterward, he started his career.
3. They completed the hike, and afterward, they enjoyed a picnic.
4. The ceremony concluded, and afterward, the guests mingled.
5. After the race, they all gathered for a group photo, and afterward, they celebrated.
6. She finished her book, and afterward, she felt a sense of accomplishment.
7. After the surgery, he had a lengthy recovery, and afterward, he regained his strength.
8. The play ended, and afterward, the actors took their final bow.
9. After the interview, they waited anxiously, and afterward, they received good news.
10. He proposed, and afterward, they planned their wedding.
11. After the hike, they reached the summit, and afterward, they descended.
12. The meal was delicious, and afterward, they shared stories around the fire.
13. After the test, they reviewed their answers, and afterward, they felt confident.
14. The painting was complete, and afterward, it was displayed in the gallery.
15. Jack finished his work, and afterward, he treated himself to a well-deserved coffee break.
16. Sarah completed her presentation, and afterward, she received a round of applause from the audience.
17. Tom took a long walk in the park, and afterward, he felt refreshed and rejuvenated.
18. Emily had a challenging day at work, but afterward, she indulged in a relaxing bubble bath to unwind.
19. The children played outside for hours, and afterward, they were exhausted but happy.
20. After studying diligently, Rachel aced her exam and afterward, she celebrated with her friends.
21. The team lost the game, but afterward, they reflected on their performance and identified areas for improvement.
22. Mark finished his workout at the gym, and afterward, he rewarded himself with a protein shake.
23. Jenny cooked a delicious meal for her family, and afterward, they all sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
24. After a long day of sightseeing, the tourists returned to their hotel and afterward, enjoyed a restful night's sleep.
25. The students completed their group project, and afterward, they presented their findings to the class.