Following: meaning, definitions and examples

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following

[ˈfɒləʊɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

social media

In the context of social media, 'following' refers to the action of subscribing to someone's updates and posts on a platform.

Synonyms

monitoring, subscribing, tracking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
following	Suitable for general social media contexts where someone keeps up with another person's updates or content. It can also be used broadly to signify loyalty or adherence to something. She enjoys following her favorite celebrities on Instagram. Following the new guidelines is important for safety.
subscribing	Common in contexts related to receiving regular updates, newsletters, or services by signing up. Typically used in the context of media, publications, or online platforms. She is subscribing to a monthly magazine. He is subscribing to the YouTube channel to get the latest videos.
tracking	Often used in scenarios involving the observation and recording of the progress or location of something. This term is frequently associated with shipping, performance metrics, or behaviors. The courier service is tracking the package to ensure it arrives on time. She has been tracking her fitness goals with a smartwatch.
monitoring	Best used in professional or technical contexts where someone is keeping a close watch on activities, systems, or behaviors. It often implies a certain level of scrutiny or oversight. The IT department is monitoring the network for any suspicious activity. Doctors are monitoring the patient's vital signs.

Examples of usage

I have a large following on Instagram.
She gained a massive following after her viral video.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

social media marketing

In social media marketing, 'following' represents the number of individuals who have subscribed to receive updates from a particular account or page.

Synonyms

audience, fan base, subscribers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
following	Used to refer to a group of people who support or admire someone, often used in social media or entertainment sectors. She has a large following on Instagram. The musician's following grew rapidly after that hit single.
audience	Refers to a group of people who are gathered to listen to or view a performance, speech, or other public event. It's used in both live events and media contexts. The audience clapped loudly after the performance. The TV show has a large audience.
subscribers	Refers to individuals who have signed up to regularly receive content, like newsletters, magazines, or updates on platforms like YouTube. The magazine has 100,000 subscribers. She thanked her subscribers for their support in her latest video.
fan base	Used to describe a group of enthusiastic admirers or supporters, often for musicians, sports teams, or celebrities. It is typically used when there is a strong, emotional connection between the fans and the object of their admiration. The band has a dedicated fan base. Her fan base is so loyal they travel to every concert she performs.

Examples of usage

The company's following on Twitter has been steadily growing.
They aim to increase their social media following through engaging content.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

pursuing someone or something

In a general sense, 'following' can refer to the act of pursuing or chasing someone or something.

Synonyms

chasing, pursuing, tracking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
following	Used in a general context when one person or thing is going behind or after another. It can also mean keeping up with someone's activities or updates, like on social media. He was following her down the street. I'm following your updates on Twitter.
pursuing	Generally used in a formal or professional context, often involving goals, ambitions, or legal actions. It indicates a long-term effort rather than immediate action. He is pursuing a degree in medicine. The detectives were pursuing new leads in the case.
chasing	Implies an active and energetic pursuit, often with a sense of urgency or determination, sometimes for a specific purpose like catching or achieving something. The dog was chasing the cat around the yard. She is chasing her dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
tracking	Often used in a context involving monitoring, surveillance, or keeping a record of movements or progress. It can be technological or manual. They are tracking the shipment using GPS. The researcher is tracking the migration patterns of birds.

Examples of usage

The detective was following the suspect.
The dog followed its owner wherever she went.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'folligan,' which meant to be filled with great enthusiasm or to accompany.
In Middle English, 'following' was used to denote someone who is a supporter or a disciple.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, following leaders or traditions is important in politics, religion, and social settings.
The concept of following is key in social media, symbolizing dynamics of influence and connection.

Psychology

Following behavior can stem from a psychological need for belonging and acceptance within a group.
Research shows that people often follow authority figures due to trust and perceived expertise.

Literature

Many stories revolve around the theme of following someone on a journey, symbolizing growth or change.
In allegorical writings, following can represent a deeper exploration of faith, ideals, or the quest for truth.

Technology

In programming, a 'following' function in coding helps maintain track of user actions or database changes.
The concept of following is also vital in algorithms determining user content on platforms like social media.

Translations

Translations of the word "following" in other languages:

🇵🇹 seguindo

🇮🇳 का अनुसरण करना

🇩🇪 folgend

🇮🇩 mengikuti

🇺🇦 наступний

🇵🇱 następujący

🇯🇵 次

🇫🇷 suivant

🇪🇸 siguiente

🇹🇷 takip eden

🇰🇷 따르는

🇸🇦 التالي

🇨🇿 následující

🇸🇰 nasledujúci

🇨🇳 跟随

🇸🇮 naslednji

🇮🇸 eftirfarandi

🇰🇿 келесі

🇬🇪 შემდეგი

🇦🇿 növbəti

🇲🇽 siguiente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #125, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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122 here
123 every
124 less
125 following
126 general
127 law
128 different
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