How Do You Spell ARE AFTER?

Pronunciation: [ɑːɹ ˈaftə] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "are after" can be a bit tricky. The word "are" is pronounced as /ɑ:(r)/, which means that the "a" sound is long and the "r" is pronounced distinctly. In contrast, "after" is pronounced as /ˈɑ:ftə(r)/, where the "a" sound is also long, but the "r" is not pronounced. This means that when writing the phrase, it's important to remember to include both the long "a" sound and the distinct "r" sound in "are", but to leave the "r" sound out of "after".

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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ARE AFTER Meaning and Definition

  1. "Are after" is a colloquial idiom that can be used to convey various meanings depending on the context. In its simplest form, the phrase generally refers to pursuing or seeking something or someone. It implies a desire or objective to attain a particular goal or outcome. The "are" in this phrase is the present tense form of the verb "to be," and "after" means in pursuit of or looking for.

    For instance, if someone says they are after a promotion, it means they have the intention or ambition to achieve a higher position at work. Similarly, if someone states they are after a good deal, they are actively searching for or trying to secure a favorable offer or agreement.

    The phrase "are after" can also denote a sense of surveillance or suspicion. If someone claims that others are after them, it suggests that they feel targeted or pursued, often in a negative or harmful manner.

    However, it is important to note that the true meaning of "are after" can vary depending on the context and the speaker's intent. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the surrounding words and circumstances to fully comprehend the intended meaning of the phrase.

Common Misspellings for ARE AFTER

Etymology of ARE AFTER

The phrase "are after" does not have a clear etymology because it is a combination of two separate words. "Are" is the second person plural form of the verb "be", which originates from Old English "eart" meaning "you are". On the other hand, "after" comes from Old English "æfter", which means "following" or "in pursuit of".

When combined, "are after" typically conveys the idea of pursuing or seeking something. It is also commonly used in idiomatic expressions. However, as it is a basic combination of two words without a distinct origin, it does not have a specific etymology as a unique phrase.