Pronunciation: [lˈʊkɪŋ ˈaftə] (IPA) 
Looking after is spelled with two separate words "looking" and "after" and is pronounced as ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈɑːftə. The word "looking" is spelled with a silent "k" and is pronounced as ˈlʊkɪŋ. The word "after" is spelled with a "f" and is pronounced as ˈɑːftə. Looking after means to take care of someone or something. It is important to spell and pronounce this phrase accurately to avoid confusion in communication.
Looking after is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of taking care, supervising, or being responsible for someone or something. It involves providing assistance, ensuring their well-being, and attending to their needs. This term can be used in various contexts, including childcare, animal care, healthcare, or general maintenance.
In the context of childcare, looking after typically involves attending to the needs and safety of children. This may include feeding, bathing, dressing, playing with them, and ensuring their overall welfare. It may also involve supervising their activities and providing guidance and support.
In the realm of animal care, looking after refers to providing necessary care and attention to animals. This can range from feeding and grooming them to ensuring their living conditions are suitable and hygienic. It may also involve monitoring their health and addressing any necessary medical needs.
Additionally, in the healthcare sector, looking after involves the provision of medical care, assistance, and support to individuals who are sick, injured, or in need of rehabilitation. This could encompass daily tasks such as administering medication, providing emotional support, and assisting with physical needs.
Moreover, looking after can also extend to general maintenance, where it involves taking care of property, objects, or resources. This could involve tasks such as cleaning, organizing, repairing, or managing various aspects of a particular space or item.
Overall, looking after encompasses a broad range of responsibilities and actions aimed at providing care, support, and guidance to individuals, animals, or entities in need.
The word "looking after" is a compound phrase formed by the combination of the verb "looking" and the preposition "after".
The verb "look" comes from the Middle English "loken" or "louken", which itself derives from the Old English "lōcian" or "lūcian". These Old English forms have Germanic origins, possibly related to the Dutch word "looken" or the German word "loken", both meaning "to look" as well.
On the other hand, the preposition "after" originates from the Old English "æfter" or "after", also with Germanic roots. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*aftar", meaning "behind" or "in the rear".
