afterwards
UKAHF-tuh-wuhdz/ˈɑːftə.wədz/AF-ter-werdz/ˈæf.tɚ.wɚdz/
US spellingafterward
- 1At a subsequent time, following the event or period that has just been mentioned.
We had dinner at a little Italian place and went for a walk along the river afterwards.
The minister resigned in March, and shortly afterwards the government called an election.
UsageUsed without an object: we left afterwards, but we left after dinner. Often with soon or shortly in front.
Similarlater, subsequently, after, then, thereafter
Oppositebeforehand, before, earlier, previously
Use it in a sentence
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Origin
From Middle English afterwardes, from Old English æfteweard (“behind”) with the adverb-forming ending -s. It can also be analysed as after + -wards.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Afterwards derives from Middle English afterwardes, ultimately from Old English æfteweard meaning ‘behind’, with adverbial-genitive -s. en.wiktionary.org
- The word can also be analysed as after + -wards. en.wiktionary.org