Hereafter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⏳
Add to dictionary
hereafter
[ˌhɪərˈɑːftər ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Adverb
in the future
At some time in the future; from now on. Used to refer to a future time or situation.
Examples of usage
- He vowed that hereafter he would be more careful with his money.
- Hereafter, all employees must wear a uniform to work.
- Hereafter, she decided to focus on her career rather than her personal life.
Context #2 | Adverb
after this life
In a future life or state.
Examples of usage
- He believed that in the hereafter, he would be rewarded for his good deeds.
- The concept of a heavenly paradise in the hereafter is prevalent in many religions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religious Context
- Many religions, like Christianity and Islam, discuss the concept of a hereafter, often related to heaven, hell, or spiritual existence.
- In Buddhism, the idea of rebirth can be seen as a form of hereafter, where one's actions affect future existences.
Literature
- Classic poems and stories, such as Dante's 'Divine Comedy', explore the hereafter, depicting journeys through the afterlife.
- Shakespeare often touched on themes of mortality and the hereafter in his plays, intertwining them with human emotion and reflection.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Socrates and Plato considered the hereafter as a significant aspect of human existence, questioning what happens after we die.
- Existentialists often argue about the importance of living authentically, given the uncertainty of what may come in the hereafter.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often depict the hereafter, with interpretations ranging from comedic to serious, addressing themes of the afterlife.
- Titles like 'The Good Place' explore moral philosophy tied to the hereafter, mixing humor with deeper questions about life choices.
Origin of 'hereafter'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'her' meaning 'here' and 'æfter' meaning 'after', combining to refer to a time that comes later.
- Usage of the term can be traced back to the 14th century in texts discussing life and existence beyond death.
The word 'hereafter' originated in Middle English from the combination of 'here' (meaning 'at this point') and 'after' (meaning 'subsequent to a particular time'). It has been used since the 13th century to refer to a future time or state, as well as to describe life after death in various religious beliefs.