Thereafter: meaning, definitions and examples

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thereafter

[ ˌðɛːrˈɑːftə ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

subsequent events

After that time or event; subsequently.

Synonyms

afterwards, following, later, subsequently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thereafter

Used in formal writing to indicate something happens after a particular time or event.

  • He graduated in 2010 and, thereafter, started his own business
afterwards

Used in both casual and formal contexts to indicate a sequence of events or actions.

  • We went to the movie and afterwards, we had dinner
subsequently

Often used in formal writing to indicate that something happens as a result of a previous event.

  • The committee approved the proposal and subsequently secured the necessary funding
following

Used to indicate something happens immediately after another event, often in formal contexts.

  • There was a brief ceremony following which they proceeded to the reception
later

Used in both casual and formal contexts to indicate a point in time after now or after another event.

  • I'll finish my homework and do the dishes later

Examples of usage

  • He retired and thereafter lived quietly in the countryside.
  • She won the match and thereafter became a national hero.
  • The company suffered financial losses and thereafter had to downsize.
  • The new law was passed and thereafter implemented nationwide.
Context #2 | Adverb

legal context

In the following part of a text, statement, or document.

Synonyms

following, in the following part, subsequently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thereafter

Used to refer to a period of time after a particular event. Often used in formal or historical contexts.

  • He moved to New York in 2005, and thereafter started his own company.
  • The policy was implemented in 2020; thereafter, the city saw a significant reduction in pollution.
subsequently

Used to describe something that happened after a particular event. It is often used in formal writing and documentation.

  • She completed her degree and subsequently moved to London.
  • The company was founded in 1990 and subsequently became one of the largest in the industry.
following

Used to indicate what comes immediately after something in time, often giving a direct sequence of events. This is commonly used in both written and verbal instructions, stories, and sequences.

  • Following the meeting, we will have lunch.
  • The following week, she received a promotion.
in the following part

Used to refer to the next section or portion of a text or narrative. Typically used in writing or structured contexts like presentations and reports.

  • In the following part of the book, the author explains the theory in detail.
  • Please refer to the following part of the document for more information.

Examples of usage

  • The terms and conditions outlined above and thereafter shall be binding.
  • The defendant shall provide the necessary documentation by the specified deadline and thereafter await further instructions.

Translations

Translations of the word "thereafter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 depois disso

🇮🇳 इसके बाद

🇩🇪 danach

🇮🇩 setelah itu

🇺🇦 після цього

🇵🇱 potem

🇯🇵 その後

🇫🇷 ensuite

🇪🇸 después de eso

🇹🇷 bundan sonra

🇰🇷 그 후

🇸🇦 بعد ذلك

🇨🇿 poté

🇸🇰 potom

🇨🇳 此后

🇸🇮 potem

🇮🇸 eftir það

🇰🇿 осыдан кейін

🇬🇪 ამის შემდეგ

🇦🇿 bundan sonra

🇲🇽 después de eso

Etymology

The word 'thereafter' originated from the combination of 'there' and 'after'. It has been in use since the 13th century and has evolved to signify events or actions that occur after a specific time or event. The term is commonly used in legal documents, literature, and everyday language to denote subsequent occurrences or consequences.

See also: there, thereby, therefore.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,038, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.