after-

prefix

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Indo-European *-teros Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep(o)teros Proto-Germanic *after Old English æfter Middle English after English after ▲ Old English æfter Old English æfter- Middle English after- English after- From after (adverb and preposition), and also continuing Middle English after-, efter-, æfter-, from Old English æfter- (“after, behind, against”). Cognate with Scots efter-, West Frisian efter-, Dutch achter-, German after-, Swedish efter-. More at after.

1. With contrary, subordinate, or remote effect, denoting hindrance, setback, inferiority, etc.

   “after- + deal → afterdeal”

   “after- + tale → aftertale”

2. With adverbial or adjectival effect, forming compound words indicating something that comes afterwards in spacial position.

   “after- + deck → afterdeck”

   “after- + limb → after-limb”

3. With prepositional effect, forming compound words denoting something which follows the second element of the compound, and is less intense or significant.

   “after- + glow → afterglow”

   “after- + shock → aftershock”

4. With prepositional effect, forming compound words denoting follows and is a result of the second element of the compound.

   “after- + birth → afterbirth”

   “after- + life → afterlife”