Behind: meaning, definitions and examples

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behind

[bɪˈhaɪnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

position

at or to the far side of something

Synonyms

at the back of, beyond.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
behind	Use this word to describe the position of something relative to another object. It generally implies being at the back side and partially or entirely obscured by the front object. The book is behind the vase He stood behind the door to surprise her
beyond	This word is used to describe something that is further away than something else, often implying a greater distance or a metaphorical sense of surpassing. It can also mean transcending or surpassing in non-physical ways. The mountains are beyond the river Her love for him goes beyond words
at the back of	This phrase is used to describe an object or a person positioned at the farthest rear part of a given space or item. It is more formal and less commonly used in everyday speech. The emergency exit is at the back of the building She found the old photo at the back of the drawer

Word

Description / Examples

behind

Use this word to describe the position of something relative to another object. It generally implies being at the back side and partially or entirely obscured by the front object.

The book is behind the vase
He stood behind the door to surprise her

beyond

This word is used to describe something that is further away than something else, often implying a greater distance or a metaphorical sense of surpassing. It can also mean transcending or surpassing in non-physical ways.

The mountains are beyond the river
Her love for him goes beyond words

at the back of

This phrase is used to describe an object or a person positioned at the farthest rear part of a given space or item. It is more formal and less commonly used in everyday speech.

The emergency exit is at the back of the building
She found the old photo at the back of the drawer

Examples of usage

He hid behind a tree.
The sun disappeared behind the clouds.

^{Context #2 | Preposition}

location

on the other side of something

Synonyms

at the rear of, beyond.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
behind	Used when something is directly at the back of another object or a situation where someone is slower or less advanced. The cat is hiding behind the curtain. She is behind in her schoolwork.
beyond	Used to indicate something further away or to imply surpassing a certain point or limit. The mountains are beyond the horizon. His talent goes beyond expectations.
at the rear of	Used when referring to the back part of a physical object, often in formal or technical contexts. Please park your car at the rear of the building. The emergency exit is located at the rear of the auditorium.

Word

Description / Examples

behind

Used when something is directly at the back of another object or a situation where someone is slower or less advanced.

The cat is hiding behind the curtain.
She is behind in her schoolwork.

beyond

Used to indicate something further away or to imply surpassing a certain point or limit.

The mountains are beyond the horizon.
His talent goes beyond expectations.

at the rear of

Used when referring to the back part of a physical object, often in formal or technical contexts.

Please park your car at the rear of the building.
The emergency exit is located at the rear of the auditorium.

Examples of usage

The car behind mine is red.
She sat behind me in the theater.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

support

the back part of something

Synonyms

backside, rear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
behind	Refers to the position of being at the back of something or someone. She stands behind the door waiting for her cue. The car was parked behind the house.
rear	Often refers to the back part of something, such as a vehicle, building, or animal. It is more formal than 'backside'. The rear of the plane is where the economy seats are located. Please use the rear entrance.
backside	Commonly used to talk about the posterior part of a person's body, often in a casual or slightly humorous context. He slipped and fell right on his backside. The pants ripped at the backside.

Word

Description / Examples

behind

Refers to the position of being at the back of something or someone.

She stands behind the door waiting for her cue.
The car was parked behind the house.

rear

Often refers to the back part of something, such as a vehicle, building, or animal. It is more formal than 'backside'.

The rear of the plane is where the economy seats are located.
Please use the rear entrance.

backside

Commonly used to talk about the posterior part of a person's body, often in a casual or slightly humorous context.

He slipped and fell right on his backside.
The pants ripped at the backside.

Examples of usage

The bookshelf has a hidden compartment behind it.
She found a note behind the painting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'behindan,' meaning 'in the rear' or 'from behind.'
In Middle English, it evolved to 'behinden,' reflecting its usage in both literal and figurative contexts.

Cultural Expressions

The phrase 'behind the scenes' refers to the activities and events that happen out of public view, commonly used in film or theater.
In various cultures, there is a saying 'leaving something behind', which symbolizes the abandonment of past issues or feelings, highlighting the emotional context of moving forward.

Psychology

Being 'behind' in a task or project can create feelings of stress and anxiety, often leading to a sense of being overwhelmed.
Psychologically, the notion of being behind can affect motivation levels, as individuals may feel the pressure of catching up.

Literature

Writers often use the concept of 'behind' to develop tension in narratives, such as characters being pursued or secrets lurking in the shadows.
In poetry, the word 'behind' frequently evokes imagery of hidden emotions or stories waiting to be uncovered.

Technology

In the tech world, being 'behind' can refer to lag in performance or outdated software, creating a push for updates and innovations.
Social media often prompts feelings of being behind, as users see others’ achievements and milestones, contrasting with their own paths.

Translations

Translations of the word "behind" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atrás

🇮🇳 पीछे (peeche)

🇩🇪 hinter

🇮🇩 belakang

🇺🇦 позаду

🇵🇱 za

🇯🇵 後ろ (ushiro)

🇫🇷 derrière

🇪🇸 detrás

🇹🇷 arkasında

🇰🇷 뒤에 (dwie)

🇸🇦 خلف (khalf)

🇨🇿 za

🇸🇰 za

🇨🇳 后面 (hòumiàn)

🇸🇮 zadaj

🇮🇸 á bak við

🇰🇿 артында

🇬🇪 უკან (ukan)

🇦🇿 arxasında

🇲🇽 detrás

Word Frequency Rank

At #662 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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659 regard
660 beyond
661 recent
662 behind
663 international
664 levels
665 movement
...