Following
/ˈfɒləʊɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsOccurring or coming after (in time or order).
/ˈfɒləʊɪŋ/
Coming or occurring after something in time or order.
Following a long break, we resumed our work.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're lining up for ice cream. The 'following' person is the one right behind you. It's about what comes next in a sequence, like the next thing on your to-do list. Like 'Following dinner, we watched a movie,' meaning the movie came after dinner.
👶 For kids: Happening after something else. Like, 'Following the song, we clapped our hands!'
More Examples
The following day, the weather improved.
Following his graduation, he started his career.
How It's Used
"Following the instructions carefully is crucial."
"Following the announcement, stock prices rose."
A group of supporters or admirers.
/ˈfɒləʊɪŋ/
A group of people who admire and support someone.
The musician cultivated a loyal following.
💡 Simply: Think of it as all the fans someone has on social media. It's the group of people who like, share, and support someone or something. Like 'The band has a huge following,' meaning lots of people listen to their music.
👶 For kids: The group of people who like someone or something. Like, 'That singer has lots of people who like her music!'
More Examples
The company built a strong following through its marketing efforts.
The candidate's following turned out to vote.
How It's Used
"She has a large following on Instagram."
"The politician lost some of his following."
Coming next in a sequence.
/ˈfɒləʊɪŋ/
That comes immediately after.
The following paragraph provides more details.
💡 Simply: Like when you see a list. 'Following' means the things that come right after. Like, 'The following steps are very important.'
👶 For kids: The next thing. Like, 'In the following game, we will play tag!'
More Examples
The following examples illustrate the concept.
The following week was busy.
How It's Used
"The following chapter will explore the theme."
"The following items are on the agenda."
Idioms & expressions
following wind
Favorable circumstances or luck; help; success.
"The company enjoyed a following wind, thanks to the economic boom."
From Middle English folwen, folȝen, from Old English folgian ('to follow, pursue'), from Proto-Germanic *fulgōną ('to follow, pursue').
The word 'following' has been used in English since Old English times, initially to describe the act of pursuing or attending someone.
Memory tip
Think of a parade: the following floats are those that come next.
Word Origin
"to pursue, go after"