How to pronounce afterward
Say it like AF-ter-werd. Afterward has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce afterward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AF
- ter
- werd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Afterward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- werdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of afterward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: AHF-tuh-wud.
What does afterward mean?
- happening at a time subsequent to a reference time“he apologized subsequently”“he's going to the store but he'll be back here later”
Where does afterward come from?
Inherited from Middle English afterward, from Old English æfterweard; equivalent to after + -ward.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying afterward
How do you pronounce afterward?
Say AF-ter-werd. The American pronunciation is /ˈæftɚwɚd/. In British English it is /ˈɑːftəwəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in afterward?
Afterward has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AF). Broken into parts: AF · ter · werd.
Is afterward pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɑːftəwəd/ (AHF-tuh-wud).