How to pronounce afterwards
Say it like AF-ter-werdz. Afterwards 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 afterwards. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AF
- ter
- werdz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Afterwards 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.
- werdzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of afterwards
- 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-wudz.
What does afterwards 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 afterwards come from?
From Middle English afterwardes, from Old English æfteweard (“behind”) + -s (“(adverbial genitive)”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying afterwards
How do you pronounce afterwards?
Say AF-ter-werdz. The American pronunciation is /ˈæftɚwɚdz/. In British English it is /ˈɑːftəwədz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in afterwards?
Afterwards has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AF). Broken into parts: AF · ter · werdz.
Is afterwards 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 /ˈɑːftəwədz/ (AHF-tuh-wudz).