Follow
/ˈfɒloʊ/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo move or proceed behind someone or something.
/ˈfɒloʊ/
To come or go after; to move behind.
The children followed their teacher into the classroom.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking somewhere and someone is walking behind you. That's following! Like when your little brother follows you around the house.
👶 For kids: To go after someone or something.
More Examples
I followed the instructions to assemble the furniture.
The detective followed the suspect down the street.
How It's Used
"The dog followed the boy home."
"The scientist followed the instructions carefully."
To accept or obey the advice, instructions, or guidance of.
/ˈfɒloʊ/
To accept the opinions or advice of someone or something.
The students followed the teacher's instructions.
💡 Simply: Like when you listen to your parents or a teacher and do what they say. You're following their rules or advice.
👶 For kids: To do what someone tells you.
More Examples
We follow the company's safety regulations.
He follows the doctor's advice and takes his medicine.
How It's Used
"The team will follow the guidelines."
"She follows her parents' advice."
To understand the meaning or course of an argument, statement, or action.
/ˈfɒloʊ/
To understand.
I couldn't follow the complicated explanation.
💡 Simply: When you understand what someone is saying or doing. Like, you understand the rules of the game.
👶 For kids: To understand what's happening.
More Examples
Did you follow the instructions?
It was hard to follow the movie's plot.
How It's Used
"I followed the plot of the movie."
"I struggled to follow the lecture."
To subscribe or be connected to a person, brand, or group on a social media platform so you can see their updates.
/ˈfɒloʊ/
To be a fan of or subscribe to an online profile.
I follow several news outlets to stay informed.
💡 Simply: If you 'follow' someone online, like on Twitter or Instagram, it means you want to see what they post.
👶 For kids: To click the button that lets you see what someone posts on the internet.
More Examples
Do you follow any interesting blogs?
She follows many fitness influencers for workout tips.
How It's Used
"I follow several famous chefs on Instagram."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
follow suit
To do the same thing as someone else; to copy an action.
"When the first company lowered its prices, the others followed suit."
follow one's heart
To act according to one's feelings and desires.
"She decided to follow her heart and pursue a career in art."
follow through
To complete a task or project.
"It's important to follow through on your commitments."
From Old English *folgian* (West Saxon *fylgian*), from Proto-Germanic *fulgōjaną* ('to follow, accompany'), which is related to *fullaz* ('full'). The word's meaning has evolved from 'accompany' to 'come after' and 'obey'.
The word "follow" has remained relatively consistent in its core meaning through its history, with gradual extensions to include figurative senses of obedience, understanding, and social media interactions.
Memory tip
Imagine a trail of breadcrumbs – you follow them to find your way.
Word Origin
"to pursue, accompany"