Next
/nɛkst/
Definitions
3 meaningsFollowing in time, order, or importance.
/nɛkst/
Coming immediately after the present time or position.
The next chapter is even more exciting.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in line. The next person in line is the one right after you. It's the same with time – the next day is tomorrow!
👶 For kids: It means what comes after something else, like after the number 1 comes the number 2, or after your turn comes your friend's turn. It means 'later'!
More Examples
Please wait for the next available operator.
She is the next in line to receive the award.
How It's Used
"What is the next train?"
"The next meeting is on Tuesday."
In the time or place immediately following.
/nɛkst/
At the time or turn immediately following.
Next, we'll discuss the budget.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'then' or 'after this.' 'I'll eat my sandwich, and next, I'll drink my juice.'
👶 For kids: It's like saying 'then' or 'after'. Like, 'I'll play with my toys, next I will eat my dinner.'
More Examples
What should I do next?
She will present the project next.
How It's Used
"I'll go to the store and next, I'll go to the gym."
"Next, turn the page."
The person, thing, or event that immediately follows another in a series.
/nɛkst/
The next person or thing.
The next will speak.
💡 Simply: This one is used more like the next 'person'. 'The next person in line will be helped.'
👶 For kids: It's like 'the one after'. Like, 'Who's the next in line?'
More Examples
The next in line for the throne is the prince.
The next of the series should be released soon.
How It's Used
"It's the next's turn to bat."
"Who's the next in the queue?"
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
next to
In or into a position immediately adjacent to.
"The dog sat next to his owner."
the next big thing
Something or someone expected to become very successful or popular in the near future.
"Many consider this startup to be the next big thing."
next door
In the adjacent house or building
"The neighbors next door are very friendly."
next level
Signifying something that is significantly better, more advanced, or of a higher standard.
"The artist's new album is next level."
From Middle English *next*, *neist*, from Old English *nēahsta* ('nearest'), superlative of *nēah* ('near'). Cognate to Dutch *naast*, German *nächst*.
Used similarly to today, though perhaps with less emphasis on sequencing, and more as a direct superlative of 'near'.
Memory tip
Think of the sequence: now, then the NEXT thing.