afterwards
AHF-tuh-wuhdz
Afterwards (adv) means At a later time; subsequently. Example: “They had dinner and went to the cinema afterwards.”
adv
1
At a later time; subsequently.
"They had dinner and went to the cinema afterwards."
"She apologized afterwards for losing her temper."
"We can talk about the problem afterwards, once the guests have left."
How to use afterwards
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLater on, after something else has happened.
UK vs US
"Afterwards" is standard in British English; American English more often uses "afterward" (no final s), though both are understood everywhere.
Easily confused with
afterward
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Etymology
From Middle English afterwardes, built from "after" plus an adverbial ending.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “afterwards” mean?
The word “afterwards” means at a later time; subsequently. In plain terms, later on, after something else has happened.
How do you pronounce “afterwards”?
“Afterwards” is pronounced AHF-tuh-wuhdz (/ˈæf.tɚ.wɚdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “afterwards” in a sentence?
Here is “afterwards” used in a sentence: “They had dinner and went to the cinema afterwards.”
What is the opposite of “afterwards”?
The opposite of “afterwards” — its antonyms — is beforehand.
What part of speech is “afterwards”?
“Afterwards” is an adverb.
Where does the word “afterwards” come from?
The word “afterwards” comes from Middle English. From Middle English afterwardes, built from "after" plus an adverbial ending.
Is “afterwards” a common word?
“Afterwards” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between afterwards and afterward?
There is no difference in meaning; both mean 'at a later time.' The only distinction is regional: 'afterwards' (with the s) is the usual form in British English, while 'afterward' is more common in American English. Both are correct, so choose whichever matches your audience or house style.
Is 'afterwards' formal or informal?
Afterwards is neutral in tone and works in both formal and everyday writing. In more formal or academic contexts, 'subsequently' is a common alternative, while 'later' or 'then' feel more conversational. All of them express the same basic idea of something happening at a later point in time.
What can I use instead of afterwards?
Close alternatives include 'later,' 'subsequently,' 'then,' 'thereafter,' and the phrase 'after that.' The best choice depends on tone: 'subsequently' suits formal writing, whereas 'later' and 'then' feel more natural in speech. Each one keeps the sense of one thing following another in time.
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