■ preposition
1》 in the time following (an event or another period of time).
↘ N. Amer. past (used in specifying a time).
2》 behind.
↘in the direction of someone who is moving away.
3》 in pursuit or quest of.
4》 next to and following in order or importance.
5》 in allusion or reference to: he was named ~ his grandfather.
↘in the style or following the example of.
■ conjunction & adverb in the time following (an event).
■ adjective
1》 archaic later.
2》 nearer the stern of a ship.
Phrases
~ all in spite of any indications or expectations to the contrary.
~ hours ~ normal working or opening hours.
~ you a polite formula offering precedence.
be ~ doing something Irish be on the point of doing something or have just done it.
Origin
OE æfter , of Gmc origin.