How Do You Spell GET AFTER?

Pronunciation: [ɡɛt ˈaftə] (IPA)

The phrase "get after" is commonly used to encourage someone to do something or to urge them to take action. Its spelling is fairly straightforward: "get" is spelled as it sounds with a hard "g" and short "e" sound, while "after" uses the long "a" sound and the "f" sound represented by the letters "ph". In IPA phonetic transcription, "get" is /gɛt/ and "after" is /ˈæftər/. When spoken quickly, the two words can blend together, with the "t" sound in "get" linking up with the "a" sound in "after" to form a smoother transition.

GET AFTER Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "get after" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal contexts, originating from American English. It can be used intransitively or transitively, depending on the context, and typically means to pursue, chase, or go after something or someone in a determined, energetic, or aggressive manner.

   When used intransitively, "get after" implies taking strong and persistent action to achieve a goal or address a situation. It suggests actively engaging in an endeavor, exhibiting determination, and showing enthusiasm or zeal. This usage often conveys a sense of urgency or importance related to tackling a task or resolving a problem. For example, "I need to get after my assignments if I want to finish them all before the deadline."

   When used transitively, "get after" indicates actively pursuing or attempting to catch or capture something or someone, either physically or metaphorically. This usage typically suggests a proactive and assertive approach towards achieving a desired outcome. For instance, "The detective is determined to get after the criminal and bring them to justice."

   Overall, "get after" portrays a sense of vigor, action, and determination in the pursuit of a goal or the fulfillment of a task, often implying an eagerness to achieve a result or confront a challenge.

Common Misspellings for GET AFTER

• fet after
• vet after
• bet after
• het after
• yet after
• tet after
• gwt after
• gst after
• gdt after
• grt after
• g4t after
• g3t after
• ger after
• gef after
• geg after
• gey after
• ge6 after
• ge5 after
• get zfter
• get sfter

Etymology of GET AFTER

The phrase "get after" originated from a combination of the Old Norse word "geta", meaning 'to obtain' or 'to acquire,' and the Old English word "aftan", which means 'behind' or 'in pursuit.' Over time, these two words merged to create the phrase "get after", which means 'to pursue,' 'to go after,' or 'to chase.' It is commonly used to imply an act of motivation, encouragement, or pushing someone to take action or to accomplish a specific task.

Idioms with the word GET AFTER

• get after sb The idiom "get after sb" means to scold, criticize, or reprimand someone for their behavior or actions. It can also imply attempting to motivate or persuade someone to act in a certain way.
• get after sm The idiom "get after someone" typically means to scold, criticize, or nag someone continuously in an attempt to motivate or prompt them to take action or complete a task. It can sometimes imply an authoritative or persistent approach in pursuing someone.
• get after (someone or something) The idiom "get after (someone or something)" means to repeatedly criticize, reprimand, or nag someone in order to motivate, correct, or urge them to take action or complete a task. It implies actively pursuing and reminding someone of their responsibilities or duties in a persistent manner.
• get after someone The idiom "get after someone" means to repeatedly urge, encourage, or push someone to do something or to take action. It often implies a sense of persistence, assertiveness, or even nagging.
• get after "Get after" is an idiomatic expression that means to pursue or actively go after something or someone, often with determination and persistence. It can also refer to scolding or reprimanding someone for not doing something properly or for a mistake they made.