Behindhand Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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behindhand
[bɪˈhaɪndhænd ]
Definition
time management
Behindhand refers to being late or overdue in a task or responsibility. It often suggests a failure to keep up with obligations, which can lead to stress and complications. The term can be applied to both individuals and groups. It also denotes a sense of being out of step with current progress or standards.
Synonyms
behind, delayed, late, overdue.
Examples of usage
- She was behindhand in her studies.
- The project has been left behindhand.
- He felt behindhand in his work due to personal issues.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Usage
- In literature, characters who are considered 'behindhand' often represent themes of procrastination or struggle against time.
- In professional settings, being accused of being 'behindhand' can have significant implications for one's reputation and career advancement.
- Regional variations exist, with some areas in the UK using the term more frequently to describe someone lagging in work or responsibilities.
Psychology
- Feelings of being 'behindhand' can lead to stress and anxiety, as individuals may worry about failing to meet expectations.
- Procrastination is a common behavior linked to feeling behind; it can create a cycle where one feels overwhelmed and delayed.
- The societal pressure to be punctual can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy in those who struggle with timeliness.
Time Management
- Effective time management strategies can help individuals avoid being behindhand, often emphasizing priorities and deadlines.
- Many productivity systems encourage breaking tasks into smaller steps to combat feelings of being behind on larger projects.
- Tools like planners or apps are designed to help people stay ahead of their responsibilities and avoid a state of being behindhand.
Literature
- Famous works often depict characters who are behindhand as they struggle with their ambitions and personal lives.
- The concept of being behindhand appears in poetry as a metaphor for life’s unpredictable journey and the passage of time.
- Literary critiques often explore how being behindhand affects relationships and personal growth in narratives.
Origin of 'behindhand'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'behindhand' is a combination of 'behind', meaning late or delayed, and 'hand', referring to one's involvement or action.
- It has been used since the early 19th century, primarily in British English, to describe tardiness in tasks.
- The term is often used in legal and business contexts to indicate one's failure to meet deadlines.
The term 'behindhand' has its roots in the English language, deriving from two components: 'behind' and 'hand.' 'Behind' suggests a position at the back or a state of being late, while 'hand' often relates to work or tasks at hand. This combined meaning has existed since at least the 17th century, often used in legal or formal contexts to denote delays in obligations or deliveries. Initially, it emphasized the notion of being delayed in a more tangible sense, such as physical tasks or responsibilities. Over time, 'behindhand' evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, reflecting not just physical delays but also psychological or emotional states associated with neglect or procrastination. Its usage has varied, but it has consistently conveyed the idea of falling short in fulfilling duties, becoming an essential term in discussions about productivity and accountability.