afterwhile
|af-ter-while|
B1
🇺🇸
/ˈæftərˌwaɪl/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːftəˌwaɪl/
later
Etymology
Etymology Information
'afterwhile' originates from Middle English, combining 'after' and 'while', where 'after' meant 'following in time' and 'while' meant 'a period of time'.
Historical Evolution
'afterwhile' changed from the Middle English phrase 'after a while' and eventually became the modern English word 'afterwhile'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'following a period of time', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
after a short period of time; later.
I'll call you back afterwhile.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/27 12:06