Follow

Definition

Follow is a verb and noun. As a verb, it means to move behind or go after someone or something, to come after in sequence, or to act according to instructions or advice. As a noun, it can refer to the act of pursuing or imitating someone.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɑˌloʊ/
• Respelling: FAH-loh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɒləʊ/
• Respelling: FOL-oh

Etymology

The word "follow" originates from the Old English "folgian," meaning "to accompany, go after, or pursue," derived from Proto-Germanic "*fulgōną" and Proto-Indo-European "*sekw-," meaning "to follow or pursue." Its core meaning has remained consistent across languages and centuries.

Derivatives

• Follower (noun)
• Following (noun/adjective)
• Followable (adjective)
• Unfollow (verb)
• Refollow (verb)

Synonyms

• Chase
• Track
• Pursue

Antonyms

• Lead
• Ignore
• Disregard

Usage

The term "follow" is commonly used in contexts involving physical movement, adherence to instructions, or metaphorical pursuits. For example, "She decided to follow the river downstream," or "He always follows his dreams."

Related Terms

• Pursuit: The act of chasing or striving to achieve something.
• Adherence: Commitment to a rule or cause.
• Leadership: The act of guiding or directing others, often contrasted with following.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To move behind or go after someone or something: Refers to the act of physically trailing or pursuing.
  • Example: "The detective followed the suspect through the alley."
• To act according to instructions, advice, or guidance: Describes adherence to rules, directions, or a path.
  • Example: "She followed the recipe step by step."
• To come after in sequence or order: Indicates temporal or logical succession.
  • Example: "Spring follows winter."

Noun

• The act of pursuing or imitating someone: Refers to the process or action of following.
  • Example: "Her follow of the trends was evident in her clothing choices."
• A sequence or chain of events: Indicates a series that comes in succession.
  • Example: "The follow of events was difficult to predict."