Thereafter

Definition

Thereafter refers to the period of time that follows a specific event or moment.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌðɛrˈæftər/
• Respelling: ther-AF-ter (with "ther" as in "there," "AF" as in "after," and "ter" as in "water")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌðɛərˈɑːftə/
• Respelling: thair-AAF-tuh (with "thair" as in "air," "AAF" as in "laugh," and "tuh" as in "butter")

In both dialects, "thereafter" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "AF" in American English and "AAF" in British English. The pronunciation differences mainly lie in the vowel sounds and the pronunciation of the final "r," which is more pronounced in American English.

Etymology

The term "thereafter" is derived from the Middle English word "ther-after," which is a combination of "there" (from Old English "þǣr") and "after" (from Old English "æfter").

Derivatives

• Hereafter
• Whereafter
• Thereafterward (rare)
• Beforehand (antonymous in nature)
• Afterward

Synonyms

• Afterwards
• Subsequently
• Later

Antonyms

• Previously
• Before
• Prior

Usage

• "Thereafter" is commonly used to signify events or actions that occur following a specified point in time. It provides temporal clarity, especially in narrative or descriptive contexts.

Related Terms

• After
• Following
• Sequential

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• Following in Time or Order: Indicating the time after a particular point or event has taken place.
• Example: He graduated in 1990; thereafter, he traveled across Europe.

• Subsequent: As a consequence or result of a previous action or event.
• Example: The treaty was signed, and peace was established thereafter.