Hereafter

/ˌhɪərˈɑːftər/

adverbmediumCommonScience

Definitions

2 meanings
1

From this time on or from now on; in the future.

/ˌhɪərˈɑːftər/

adverbneutralmedium
Science

From this time on; in the future

We will be using the new system hereafter.

💡 Simply: It means starting now and going forward. Like, "I'll study really hard *hereafter*," meaning I'll study hard from now on!

👶 For kids: From now on into the future.

More Examples

2

She promised to be more careful hereafter.

3

The terms and conditions will be effective hereafter.

How It's Used

Legal

"The agreement shall be binding hereafter."

Literary

"The tale of their adventures hereafter would be legendary."

2

The time to come; the future, especially the afterlife.

/ˌhɪərˈɑːftər/

nounneutralAdvanced
General

The time to come; the future

Many people believe in life in the hereafter.

💡 Simply: It's talking about what happens *after* this life is over, or after a specific event. Like, thinking about what happens in the 'hereafter' after you die, if you believe in an afterlife.

👶 For kids: The time after someone dies and goes to a different place.

More Examples

2

The priest spoke of the glories of the hereafter.

3

Their actions in this life will determine their fate in the hereafter.

How It's Used

Theological

"Belief in the hereafter is central to many religions."

Literary

"The story speaks of their journey to the hereafter."

Tip:Think of 'after' and 'here'. It speaks of the space or time beyond this life, or the time that follows.

Idioms & expressions

life hereafter

The life after death, the afterlife.

"Many religions focus on the importance of a good life to secure happiness in the life hereafter."

From Middle English *her after*, meaning 'from this time onward' or 'in the future'. It combines 'here' (referring to the present time or place) with 'after' (meaning later in time).

Common in legal and formal documents throughout history, often used to set the parameters of an agreement or document.

Memory tip

Think of it as "here" and "after" combined. It refers to what happens after now.

here afterhereafther

Usage

10%Spoken
90%Written