afterthought

/'ɑ:ftəθɔ:t/

Thân thiện

The architect added a small sunroom to the house as an afterthought.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An idea, explanation, or addition that occurs or is considered after the main plan or action is complete: An afterthought is something added later, often because it was not originally planned or considered important enough.
   • The act of thinking about something again, especially with reconsideration or regret: It can also refer to the process of reflection or having second thoughts about a past decision.

Usage and Examples

• As a noun (an addition):

  • The small shed in the backyard was clearly an afterthought, added long after the house was built.
  • The final chapter felt like an afterthought, not well-integrated with the rest of the book.

• As a noun (reconsideration):

  • His apology seemed more like an afterthought than a sincere gesture.
  • She bought the dress on impulse, but with afterthought, she decided to return it.

Advanced Usage

• "As an afterthought": This common adverbial phrase describes something done or added later, without prior planning or importance.
  • He mentioned his resignation almost as an afterthought at the end of the meeting.
  • She added a pinch of salt to the dish as an afterthought.

Variants and Related Words

• Second thought (n): A reconsideration of a decision or opinion.
  • On second thought, I'll have coffee instead of tea.
• Afterthink (v, rare/archaic): To think about something after the fact; to reflect upon.

Synonyms

• Addition: Something added.
• Reconsideration: The act of thinking about something again.
• Reflection: Serious thought or consideration.
• Appendix: Supplementary material added at the end.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "As an afterthought": (See Advanced Usage above).
• "A mere afterthought": Emphasizes that something was added very late and is of minor importance.
  • The safety features were a mere afterthought in the car's initial design.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an addition that was not included in the original plan
   • the garage was an afterthought
2. thinking again about a choice previously made
   • he had second thoughts about his purchase

Từ đồng nghĩa

• reconsideration
• second thought
• rethink