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" 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.
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.