behind
preposition
UK/bɪˈhaɪnd/US/bɪˈhaɪnd/
In or to the rear of someone or something.
Example Sentences
The dog sat behind the fence waiting for its owner.
There's a convenience store behind the hospital.
Please stand behind the yellow line for safety.
My car is parked behind that truck.
The orchard behind our house is full of apple trees.
We discovered a hidden alley behind the old building.
The kids lined up behind their teacher as they made their way into the auditorium, excited for the upcoming performance.
Behind the massive curtain lay a stunning stage set, complete with towering props and elaborate decorations waiting to be revealed.
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adverb
UK/bɪˈhaɪnd/US/bɪˈhaɪnd/
In or to a place at the back, or later/slower than expected.
Example Sentences
I'm running behind on my deadlines.
He quickly walked on, leaving me behind.
We started on time, but soon we fell behind.
Our schedule is slightly behind due to the rain delay.
Some students are behind in their reading assignments.
The clock in the kitchen is always five minutes behind.
Even though we planned meticulously, we ended up behind on our project due to unforeseen technical challenges and a shortage of crucial resources.
The train pulled away swiftly, leaving me behind on the platform with a heavy suitcase and a sense of disappointment at missing my connection.
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noun (countable)
UK/bɪˈhaɪnd/US/bɪˈhaɪnd/
The buttocks (informal).
Example Sentences
He fell flat on his behind.
The toddler slid down the slide, landing on his behind with a giggle.
The small dog kept nipping at my behind as I walked.
The joke about her behind made everyone laugh.
She humorously complained about how sitting all day made her behind sore.
He got kicked right in the behind during the soccer match.
When the chair broke unexpectedly, he found himself on his behind in a most undignified position, much to the amusement of everyone around him.
Despite the comedic mishap, he managed to get back on his feet, rubbing his bruised behind and vowing to be more careful next time he took a seat.
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How to Use
Refers to a position at or toward the rear, or an earlier point in time.This term is typically used as a preposition, adverb, or noun to indicate a location or state at the rear, in the past, or following someone or something. For example, as a preposition, it can describe the relative position of one object to another (e.g., “The car is parked behind the building”). As an adverb, it can convey the idea of being late or delayed (e.g., “I’m running behind on my chores”). As a noun, it can describe the far side or the back part (e.g., “They’re exploring the behind of the property”). Context determines which function the term serves. In sentences, place it directly before or after the object or subject it is modifying to clarify the intended relationship. Understanding this versatile usage helps convey specific spatial and temporal arrangements, ensuring clarity in your speech or writing.
Alternatives
Other terms that can express similar ideas include “after,” “at the back of,” and “in the rear of.” If you wish to highlight temporal delay or lateness, words like “late,” “delayed,” or “tardy” might be more precise. When you want to emphasize a positional relationship, phrases such as “following,” “trailing,” or “beyond” can fit better. These alternatives each have slightly different nuances, so choosing the right one depends on context. For example, “after” is often used for time or sequence, while “at the back of” specifically underscores a spatial dimension. “Beyond” can indicate a point that is further past something else, either physically or metaphorically. By selecting the term that aligns most closely with your intention—whether it’s spatial, temporal, or figurative—you can craft clearer, more effective messages in both formal and informal communication.
Writing
When writing, this term is an essential tool for describing scenes and sequencing events. Its versatility allows you to clarify spatial positions—for instance, where a character is located relative to an object or person—or to note when someone is behind schedule. Precision in usage also prevents ambiguity: if referring to physical positioning, ensure you pair it with explicit references, such as directions or named objects. If highlighting a delay or sequence, mention the specific time or event to convey the exact meaning. Mastering such subtle distinctions helps maintain coherence, ensuring your narrative is clear and comprehensible. Employ it thoughtfully in descriptive passages, instructional texts, or narratives to bring vivid, organized structure to your writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you can use this term to specify that you are running late, such as saying, “I’m behind on my errands.” It can also emphasize where something is located, like “The restaurant is just behind the grocery store.” Being conversationally clear about physical or temporal positioning helps your friends or family understand exactly what you mean. Whether you are clarifying directions, giving updates on your schedule, or setting priorities, this term keeps things simple. Remember, if you need to be more explicit, add extra details like timing or exact location. Clarity is especially helpful when coordinating plans, so don’t hesitate to use examples or extra context to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Etymology
Etymologically, this term traces back to Old English, with roots in the word “behindan,” carrying the general sense of “at the back of” or “to the rear.” It shares common origins with similar Germanic words that also denote notions of rearward placement and deferred timing. Over time, it has maintained its core meaning while expanding into broader uses, such as indicating delay or lateness. The development of different grammatical functions—preposition, adverb, or noun—reflects how people needed to describe various rearward or past-oriented circumstances. This rich history underscores how a single term can adapt to meet evolving linguistic and societal needs while retaining its fundamental concept of something at the rear.
