next

The word “next” means coming immediately after the current one, in place, time, or order. In plain terms, whatever comes immediately after the current one, whether in time, order, or position.

“Next” is pronounced nehkst (/nɛkst/ in IPA).

Here is “next” used in a sentence: “Turn left at the next intersection.”

Words with a similar meaning to “next” include subsequent.

The opposite of “next” — its antonyms — are previous and previously.

Depending on how it is used, “next” can be an adjective, a det, an adverb and a preposition.

The word “next” comes from Old English. From Old English nīehsta, the superlative of nēah ("nigh, near") — so "next" originally meant literally "nearest.".

“Next” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

This is genuinely ambiguous and a common source of confusion. Some people use "next Friday" for the very next one coming up; others mean the Friday of the following week, saving "this Friday" for the nearer one. Because usage varies, it is safest to confirm with a date to avoid mix-ups.

The opposite depends on direction. In time or sequence, the opposite of "next" is "previous," "last," or "preceding," the one that came before rather than after. When "next" means nearest in position, its opposite is "farthest" or "most distant." Most often, though, people contrast "next" with "previous."

"Next" points to the one immediately after now; next week is the week just ahead. "Following" points to the one after a reference date you have already mentioned, so "the following week" means the week after that earlier date, not after today. "Following" needs a previous point to count from.