Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Aftermath: meaning, definitions and examples

💥
Add to dictionary

aftermath

 

[ˈɑːftərmæθ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

of a disaster

The aftermath refers to the period of time after a disastrous event has occurred. It is the aftermath of a hurricane, earthquake, or other natural disaster when the damage is assessed and recovery efforts begin.

Synonyms

consequences, outcome, results.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
aftermath

Used to describe the period following a significant event, often a disaster or conflict, indicating lingering effects, typically negative.

  • The aftermath of the hurricane was devastating for the coastal communities
  • In the aftermath of the scandal, several officials resigned
consequences

Refers to the results or effects of an action or condition, often implying a moral or ethical dimension, and can be either positive or negative.

  • The consequences of cheating on the exam were severe
  • Every decision we make has its consequences
outcome

Used to describe the final result of a process, often neutral and more formal; typically used in situations with planned processes or studies.

  • The outcome of the election was unexpected
  • We are waiting to see the outcome of the negotiations
results

General term for the effects or outcomes of any action, process, or event, and can be neutral, positive, or negative.

  • She was pleased with the results of her hard work
  • The test results came back positive

Examples of usage

  • The aftermath of the earthquake left the city in ruins.
  • The aftermath of the hurricane required extensive rebuilding efforts.
  • The aftermath of the wildfire was devastating for the local community.
Context #2 | Noun

of a conflict

In the context of a conflict or war, the aftermath refers to the consequences or effects that persist after the fighting has ended. It often involves addressing issues such as rebuilding, reconciliation, and healing.

Synonyms

consequences, effects, repercussions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
aftermath

Commonly used to describe the period following a significant or disastrous event and often implies a negative impact.

  • The aftermath of the hurricane left the city in ruins.
  • He was still dealing with the aftermath of the car accident.
consequences

Used to emphasize the results or outcomes of an action, often implying a cause-effect relationship, which can be positive or negative.

  • She faced the consequences of her decisions.
  • The consequences of good planning can be seen in their success.
effects

Refers broadly to the changes or impacts resulting from a particular cause, which can be neutral, positive, or negative.

  • The new law had immediate effects on the industry.
  • We studied the effects of pollution on marine life.
repercussions

Usually refers to indirect or unintended negative consequences that may happen long after the original event.

  • The scandal had serious repercussions for his career.
  • The environmental repercussions of deforestation are extensive.

Examples of usage

  • The aftermath of the war included efforts to rebuild the infrastructure.
  • The aftermath of the conflict required a process of reconciliation and healing.
  • The aftermath of the battle left a lasting impact on the region.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'aftermath' comes from the Old English 'æftermæth', where 'after' means 'following' and 'math' means 'mowing' or 'harvest'.
  • Initially referred to the second crop of grass or hay after the first harvest season.
  • Over time, it evolved to indicate the consequences following significant occurrences.

Historical Events

  • The aftermath of World War II saw major geopolitical changes, leading to the Cold War.
  • The aftermath of the 1918 influenza pandemic resulted in considerable changes in public health policies across many nations.
  • Natural disasters often lead to a significant aftermath, with earthquakes causing not only destruction but also changes in local economies and populations.

Literature

  • Many classic novels highlight the aftermath of war, showing how characters are affected long after the battles are over.
  • Post-apocalyptic literature commonly explores the aftermath of civilization's collapse, emphasizing human resilience and adaptation.
  • In poetry, the aftermath of love or loss is a common theme, reflecting the deep emotional impacts on individuals.

Psychology

  • The aftermath of traumatic events can lead to psychological effects such as PTSD, impacting a person's mental health.
  • Studies show that people's emotional responses in the aftermath of distressing events can vary widely, influencing their coping mechanisms.
  • Understanding the aftermath of personal loss or significant life changes is crucial in therapeutic settings to help individuals heal.

Environmental Impact

  • The aftermath of deforestation can result in severe ecological consequences, such as loss of biodiversity and climate change effects.
  • In the aftermath of oil spills, ecosystems can take years to recover, affecting wildlife and local communities.
  • Natural disasters like hurricanes create long-lasting aftermaths, where recovery and rebuilding can last for decades.

Translations

Translations of the word "aftermath" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consequência

🇮🇳 परिणाम

🇩🇪 Nachwirkung

🇮🇩 akibat

🇺🇦 наслідок

🇵🇱 następstwo

🇯🇵 余波 (よは)

🇫🇷 conséquence

🇪🇸 consecuencia

🇹🇷 sonuç

🇰🇷 결과

🇸🇦 عاقبة

🇨🇿 následek

🇸🇰 následok

🇨🇳 后果

🇸🇮 posledica

🇮🇸 afleiðing

🇰🇿 салдар

🇬🇪 შედეგი

🇦🇿 nəticə

🇲🇽 consecuencia

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,842, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.