Standard Lemma guide

after-

prefix · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prefix

Meaning 1

With contrary, subordinate, or remote effect, denoting hindrance, setback, inferiority, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, morpheme, rare

Examples

  • after- + deal → afterdeal
  • after- + tale → aftertale

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prefix

Meaning 2

With adverbial or adjectival effect, forming compound words indicating something that comes afterwards in spacial position.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: morpheme

Examples

  • after- + deck → afterdeck
  • after- + limb → after-limb
  • after- + ship → after-ship

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: post-

Antonyms: pre-, ante-, fore-

3

prefix

Meaning 3

With prepositional effect, forming compound words denoting something which follows the second element of the compound, and is less intense or significant.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: morpheme

Examples

  • after- + glow → afterglow
  • after- + shock → aftershock
  • after- + thought → afterthought

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

prefix

Meaning 4

With prepositional effect, forming compound words denoting follows and is a result of the second element of the compound.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: morpheme

Examples

  • after- + birth → afterbirth
  • after- + life → afterlife
  • after- + noon → afternoon

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h2ep Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *h2epó Proto-Indo-European *-teros Proto-Indo-European *h2ep(o)teros Proto-Germanic *after Old English æfter Middle English after English after ▲ Old English æfter Old English æfter- Middle English after- English after- From after (adverb and preposition), and also continuing Middle English after-, efter-, æfter-, from Old English æfter- (“after, behind, against”). Cognate with Scots efter-, West Frisian efter-, Dutch achter-, German after-, Swedish efter-. More at after.