Afterward

Adv. At a later time; subsequently; at a time in the future relative to a specific point in the past or present. It denotes a temporal sequence, indicating something happening or occurring after a preceding event or action. It can describe actions, events, or states that follow a particular point in time. The term often implies a continuation of a process or a development that builds upon something already established. Its usage emphasizes the order of events and provides clarity about when something occurred in relation to other occurrences. The meaning can be dependent on context and which moment in time the speaker is referencing and therefore must be considered to fully comprehend its meaning.

Afterward meaning with examples

• She finished her studies and traveled the world; afterward, she settled in a small coastal town and opened her own bakery. It was a long and arduous journey, but she was rewarded when she could be her own boss and bake for her neighbors. The peaceful simplicity was exactly what she was after.
• The team trained intensely for weeks; afterward, they were exhausted, but satisfied with their performance in the competition, despite the loss. Their teamwork was their pride and joy, something they'd perfected in training. They planned to use the loss to strengthen their resolve for the next competition.
• He carefully read the instructions, took a deep breath, and began the assembly; afterward, he realized he had put the pieces together backward. This error resulted in an almost finished product that was not salvageable. Though frustrating, he vowed to try again.
• The sun set, casting long shadows across the field; afterward, the stars began to appear, twinkling in the darkening sky. A symphony of chirps and croaks began filling the air; the sounds of the nocturnal creatures provided a calming sensation.
• The detective investigated the crime scene, collecting evidence methodically; afterward, he questioned the witnesses and began to piece together the timeline. The details were critical, and he wouldn't rest until he had solved the case.