WordGarden.iobehind
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /bɪhˈaɪnd/
US
- /bɪˈhaɪnd/
Meanings
Preposition
at, to, or toward the rear of
as the hidden force, reason, or support behind something
Adjective
late, overdue, or not keeping up with an expected pace
in a trailing or losing position compared with someone else
Beyond the definition
"Behind" seems simple, but it's surprisingly versatile! It most often describes position—what is at the back of something or following someone. Think of a dog trotting behind its owner, a cat hiding behind the sofa, or a hidden treasure buried behind an old oak tree. But "behind" can also describe a cause or the force driving an event, such as saying a specific person was "behind" a new initiative. It can even hint at secrecy: "There's more to this story than meets the eye… something is going on behind closed doors." It is a word that often suggests things unseen, following in the wake of others, or failing to keep pace.
The little word "behind" is a master of context, shifting its meaning depending on how it's used. At its core, it indicates a position in the rear, whether physically or figuratively. A car driving behind you on the highway, a shadow lurking behind a figure, or even being behind schedule all share this sense of following or lagging.
However, "behind" isn't limited to location. It can also explain cause and effect. We might say, "The economic downturn was behind many business failures," meaning the downturn was the primary reason those failures occurred. It describes the power that drives something forward, even if that force remains out of sight.
The word also carries a strong sense of secrecy or hidden motives. When we say there is a lot going on "behind the scenes," we suggest that things aren't as they appear and that there are unseen forces at play. It implies intrigue, planning, or perhaps even deception. For instance, if someone is acting "behind your back," they are doing something without your knowledge or consent. This figurative use extends to emotions, such as when someone hides their true feelings "behind a smile."
Finally, "behind" can indicate a lack of progress. To fall behind in work or studies means you are not keeping pace with others or with a deadline. Whether it's about position, cause, secrecy, or progress, "behind" is a subtle but powerful indicator of what is unseen, following, or driving events from the shadows.
Examples
- 1
Hiding place
The kids hid behind the sofa when they heard the door open.
- 2
Queue position
There were three people behind me in line.
- 3
Schedule delay
We're already behind schedule, so let's keep the meeting short.
- Phrasebehind schedule
later than planned
- 4
School progress
After missing two weeks of school, he fell behind in math.
- Phrasefall behind
make less progress than expected
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Late payments
She's a month behind on her rent.
- Patternbehind on + payments/work
late with them
- 6
Forgotten item
I left my phone behind in the taxi.
- Patternleave X behind
forget to take it with you
- 7
Private work
Most of the hard work happens behind the scenes.
- Phrasebehind the scenes
out of public view
- 8
Support
Her parents were behind her decision to study abroad.
- Patternbe behind + decision/plan
support it
- 9
Responsibility
Police still don't know who was behind the scam.
- Patternbe behind + event/problem
be responsible for it
- 10
Feeling excluded
Some older workers feel left behind by new technology.
- Phrasefeel left behind
feel that others are moving ahead without you
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- behindnounadverbadjective
Forms
- behindspluralnounadverbadjective