behind

Comparative

more behind

Superlative

most behind

Adverb

Adverb

×

A word that modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, or a clause.

1. 1.At or in the rear or back part of something.

   • The water flows out through the pipe, and the sediment collects behind.

2. 2.In a rearward direction.

   • We ran and ran, without once looking behind.

3. 3.So as to come after someone or something in position, distance, advancement, ranking, time, etc.

   • The slower runners were left a long way behind.
   • In the cricket match, England finished a long way behind.
   • The worst thing about autumn is that winter follows behind.

4. 4.So as to be still in place after someone or something has departed or ceased to exist.

   • He stayed behind after the war.
   • He left behind a legacy of death and sorrow.
   • The island was inundated by the sea, leaving not a trace behind.

Prep

Preposition

×

A word placed before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show its relationship to another part of the sentence.

1. 1.At or to the back or far side of.

   • All my problems are behind me.
   • The sun went behind the clouds.
   • I hide behind you in hide and seek.

2. 2.Less forward or advanced than; after.

   • London is nine hours behind Tokyo.
   • Smith finished the race a lap behind the others.
   • In the cricket match, England are 120 runs behind India.

3. 3.Responsible for, being the creator or controller of.

   • Who is behind these terrorist attacks?
   • Mr Jones was the man behind the redevelopment plan.
   • Bud Light replaces Marketing VP behind Dylan Mulvaney partnership.

4. 4.Underlying, being the reason for or explanation of.

   • What is behind this unexpected decision?

Overall

Very common· #471

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Common

General reading & writing

Very common

Academic

Uncommon

Literature

Common