Pronunciation: [ˈaftə sˈa͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "after sight" is commonly spelled as two separate words, but it can also be spelled as one compound word, aftersight. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced /ˈæftərˌsaɪt/. The "af" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, and the "ter" is pronounced like "tir" with a long "i" sound. The stress is on the second syllable, "sight," which is pronounced like "site" with a long "i" sound.
After sight refers to a term predominantly used in the context of bills of exchange or promissory notes. It is a clause or endorsement that specifies that the payment of the mentioned document should be made after the item has been examined or verified by the party who is required to make the payment. In other words, it is a provision that delays the payment until the document has been seen or acknowledged by the payer.
The after sight clause serves as a form of protection to the payee, ensuring that they will not be forced to accept possible fraudulent or erroneous documents. By incorporating the after sight clause into the bill or note, the payee can avoid the risk of accepting flawed or deceptive financial instruments, as it allows for careful inspection and verification before the payment is rendered.
This provision is particularly useful in situations where the payer may have doubts about the validity, condition, or accuracy of the document. It allows for extra time to assess its authenticity, correctness, or compliance with the agreed-upon terms.
The inclusion of an after sight stipulation provides an added layer of protection for the recipient, enhancing their confidence in the reliability and integrity of the financial instrument. The clause ensures that the payment will not be made until the document has been properly acknowledged or viewed, safeguarding against any potential disputes or disputes over the validity of the document.
The term "after sight" does not have a specific etymology in itself. However, the two words making up the term can be analyzed independently.
1. After: The word "after" comes from Old English "æfter" and Middle English "after". It has roots in the Germanic word "aftra" meaning "behind" or "later". The word has been unchanged in its basic meaning since ancient times and is widely used to indicate something that comes later in time or position.
2. Sight: The word "sight" has a Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "situm" meaning "thing seen" or "a view". In Old English, it was spelled as "sihth". The word evolved in Middle English to its current form - "sight". In the context of "after sight", it refers to the act of seeing or observation.
