behind
0 antonyms and opposites of behind, grouped by meaning.
Preposition — At or toward the back of something, or after it in time, position, or progress.
How to use behind
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English behindan, built from be- plus "hind," an old word for the back part of something.
Full origin of behind →Frequently asked questions
What does “behind” mean?
The word “behind” means at or toward the back of something, or after it in time, position, or progress. In plain terms, at the back of, or lagging after, something — also a polite word for someone's bottom.
How do you pronounce “behind”?
“Behind” is pronounced bih-HYND (/ˈbiːˌhaɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “behind” in a sentence?
Here is “behind” used in a sentence: “The keys fell behind the sofa.”
What part of speech is “behind”?
Depending on how it is used, “behind” can be a preposition and a noun.
Where does the word “behind” come from?
The word “behind” comes from Old English. From Old English behindan, built from be- plus "hind," an old word for the back part of something.
Is “behind” a common word?
“Behind” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “behind” have?
“Behind” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: at or toward the back of something, or after it in time, position, or progress.
What is the opposite of "behind"?
The main opposite is "in front of" for position, and "ahead of" for progress or time. If a chair is behind the desk, the opposite places it in front; if you are behind schedule, being ahead means you are early. "Before" can also serve as an opposite in the sense of order.
What is the difference between "behind" and "after"?
"Behind" is mainly about physical position or lagging progress — standing behind someone, or falling behind in a race. "After" is mainly about time or sequence — leaving after lunch. They overlap when talking about order, but "behind" adds a sense of being at the back or trailing, while "after" simply marks what follows.
Can "behind" mean late or slow?
Yes. Beyond physical position, "behind" often means falling short in time or progress — "behind schedule," "behind on the rent," or "falling behind at school." In this sense it describes being later or less advanced than expected, the opposite of being ahead or on track.