preposition

behind

bih-HYND

preposition

At or toward the back of something, or after it in time, position, or progress.

"The keys fell behind the sofa."

"He's behind on his rent this month."

Responsible for, or the reason for, something.

"Nobody knows who is behind the anonymous donation."

noun

Informal term for a person's buttocks.

"He slipped and landed on his behind."

How to Use Behind

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAt the back of, or lagging after, something — also a polite word for someone's bottom.

Common pairings

behind schedule fall behind leave behind

Word Forms

more behind comparative, behinder comparative, more behind comparative, behinder comparative, behinds plural, most behind superlative, behindest superlative, most behind superlative, behindest superlative

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The keys fell _____ the sofa.

Etymology

From Old English behindan, built from be- plus "hind," an old word for the back part of something.