- behind
- I UK [bɪˈhaɪnd] / US
adverb, preposition ***
Summary:
Behind can be used in the following ways: - as a preposition (followed by a noun): The car behind us was flashing its lights. - as an adverb (without a following noun): I stayed behind to look after the children.1) at someone/something's back or opposite sidea) at the back of someone or somethingThe teacher was standing behind me, looking over my shoulder.
Some papers had fallen behind the cupboard.
from behind:Harry went out and shut the door behind him (= after he had gone through it).
Someone grabbed me from behind and pulled me to the ground.
b) following someone or somethingYou walk ahead and we'll follow along behind.
The other runners were a long way behind Benson.
c) on the other side of something from where you areThe manager was sitting behind an enormous desk.
We could hide behind those bushes.
2) used for stating the real cause of something used for saying what causes something or who is responsible for making it happen, especially when this is not obviousPolice believe that a racist group is behind the attacks.
What's behind this sudden change of policy?
3) late in doing something late or too slow in doing things that you have to doThe project is already a month behind schedule.
be/get/fall behind:I'm sorry your suit isn't ready yet. We've got a bit behind with things.
Within a few months she had fallen behind with her rent.
4) remaining after people leave remaining in a place after people have leftA few people stayed behind to clear up.
They left two of us behind to guard the luggage.
Some of the equipment got left behind.
5) achieving less progress or successa) used for saying that someone or something is less successful or has made less progress than othersI've been ill – that's why I'm behind everyone else in maths and French.
Technology in Eastern Europe was at least 20 years behind the West.
The Americans were falling behind in the competitive world of automobile design.
b) used for saying that one person or team has a lower score or is less likely to win than their opponentbehind by:Davis is still behind in recent opinion polls.
At half time, our team was behind by 12 points.
6) giving support used for saying that someone supports a person, action, or ideaYou're doing a great job, and I want you to know we're right behind you.
Not everyone in the Cabinet was behind Thatcher's policies.
When it came to a crisis, they all rallied behind their leader.
7) used for stating hidden factsa) used for saying that someone's appearance or behaviour hides their real character or feelingsBehind her quiet shy manner there is a passionate spirit.
It was an evil business conducted behind a show of respectability.
b) used for talking about the real facts of a situation that people do not knowParents are demanding to know the truth behind these disturbing rumours.
the terrible story behind the fur trade
8) happening in the pasta) if a bad experience or unpleasant situation is behind you, it no longer affects you or makes you unhappyput something behind you:With the trauma of the divorce behind her, Sandra could look forward to a better life.
Sure, I made some bad mistakes, but I want to put all that behind me now and think about the future.
b) if you have useful experience behind you, it gives you an advantage because you have gained skills and knowledge from itRobinson entered politics with 20 years' business experience behind him.
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II UK [bɪˈhaɪnd] / US noun [countable]
Word forms "behind":
singular behind plural behinds informalthe part of your body that you sit on
English dictionary. 2014.
