aftermath
/'ɑ:ftəmæθ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The consequences or results of a significant (and usually unpleasant) event: "Aftermath" refers to the situation or conditions that exist as a direct result of a major, often destructive, occurrence. It emphasizes the period following the event and its lingering effects. 2. A second crop of grass grown after the first has been harvested: This is a less common, agricultural meaning, referring to new grass growth.
Usage
"Aftermath" is used to describe the period and the resulting circumstances after a major event, typically one that is negative, chaotic, or catastrophic. It is often preceded by "the" and followed by "of."
Examples
- The country struggled to rebuild in the aftermath of the earthquake.
- The company faced severe financial problems in the aftermath of the scandal.
- The emotional aftermath of the accident was difficult for everyone involved.
- (Agricultural) The farmer let his sheep graze on the aftermath.
Advanced Usage
- "In the aftermath": This is a common prepositional phrase used to specify the time period or context following an event.
- In the aftermath of the merger, several departments were restructured.
Variants and Related Words
- After-effect (noun): An effect that follows after a delay or some time after the initial cause. (Often used in medical or technical contexts).
- The drug had no serious after-effects.
Synonyms
- Consequences: The results or effects of an action or condition.
- Repercussions: Unintended consequences, typically indirect and spreading.
- Wake: (As in "in the wake of") The situation following and resulting from an event.
- Fallout: The adverse side effects or results of a situation.
Antonyms
- Cause
- Origin
- Prelude
- Antecedent
Related Phrases
- "In the wake of": Following directly as a consequence of. This phrase is very similar in meaning and usage to "in the aftermath of."
- New safety regulations were introduced in the wake of the fire.
Noun
- the outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual
- the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
- the aftermath of war
- in the wake of the accident no one knew how many had been injured