How Do You Spell BE AFTER?

Pronunciation: [biː ˈaftə] (IPA)

The phrase "be after" is often used to indicate a desire or pursuit of something. It can be tricky to spell due to the various sounds represented by the letters. In IPA phonetic transcription, the first vowel sound is represented by the symbol /i/, followed by the consonant sound /b/. The next vowel sound is represented by the symbol /æ/, and the final consonant sound is represented by /ftər/. When spoken quickly, the sounds blend together and may sound more like "bee-af-tuh."

BE AFTER Meaning and Definition

  1. "Be after" is a phrasal verb with various meanings, but generally refers to actively pursuing or seeking something or someone. It can be used in different contexts, such as expressing a desire or intention to obtain, achieve, or capture a particular object, goal, or person. The phrase often implies a relentless pursuit or a determined effort to attain something.

    In a literal sense, "be after" can mean to chase or follow someone or something with the aim of catching up or capturing them. For example, if a person is after a thief, it suggests their intention to apprehend or catch the criminal.

    Figuratively, "be after" can convey an individual's pursuit of a goal, ambition, or opportunity. It can indicate a strong desire or relentless quest to attain a particular objective. For instance, if someone is after a promotion at work, it means they are actively working towards advancing their career.

    Additionally, "be after" can also suggest suspicion or inquiry into someone's actions or motives. For instance, if a detective is after a suspect, it signifies their investigation to find and apprehend the individual.

    Overall, "be after" is a versatile phrase that depicts an individual's pursuit, whether it be a physical chase, a determined effort to achieve a goal, or an investigation into someone's actions.

Common Misspellings for BE AFTER

  • ve after
  • ne after
  • he after
  • ge after
  • bw after
  • bs after
  • bd after
  • br after
  • b4 after
  • b3 after
  • be zfter
  • be sfter
  • be wfter
  • be qfter
  • be adter
  • be acter
  • be avter
  • be agter
  • be atter

Etymology of BE AFTER

The phrase "be after" originates from Old English and Middle English. The word "after" can be traced back to the Old English word "æfter", which itself has Germanic roots. In Old English, "æfter" primarily denoted "behind" or "subsequent to". Over time, the meaning expanded to include the idea of pursuit or seeking something or someone. This development led to the phrase "be after" being used to express the act of pursuing or trying to obtain something. The final meaning of "be after" as we use it today emerged during the Middle English period.

Idioms with the word BE AFTER

  • be after sb's blood The idiom "be after sb's blood" means to be extremely angry or determined to harm or seek revenge against someone. It implies a strong desire to pursue or harm someone.
  • be after blood The idiom "be after blood" means to have a strong, intense desire to seek revenge, retaliate, or harm someone. It suggests a keen pursuit of justice or retribution.
  • be after (one's) blood The idiom "be after (one's) blood" means to be relentlessly pursuing or seeking revenge against someone. It implies a strong desire to harm or destroy someone and suggests intense animosity or hostility.
  • be after doing something The idiom "be after doing something" means to have the intention or desire to do something. It suggests pursuing a specific action or objective, often with persistence or determination.
  • be after To be after something means to be seeking, pursuing, or looking for something. It can also mean to try to achieve or attain something.
  • be after/out for somebody’s blood To be after/out for somebody's blood means to be seeking vengeance or to have a strong desire to harm or punish someone. It implies pursuing someone aggressively and with the intention of causing them harm.
  • be after/out for somebody's blood To be after/out for somebody's blood means to be extremely angry or determined to seek revenge on someone.

Similar spelling words for BE AFTER

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