Definition of "behind" in English

preposition

1. At or to the back or far side of.

   • The children were hiding behind the wall.
   • Behind the garage needs clearing asap.
   • The sun went behind the clouds.
   • Look behind you!
   • I hide behind you in hide and seek.

2. Less forward or advanced than; after.

3. Responsible for, being the creator or controller of.

   • Who is behind these terrorist attacks?
   • Mr Jones was the man behind the redevelopment plan.

4. Underlying, being the reason for or explanation of.

   • What is behind this unexpected decision?

5. In support of.

   • The republicans are fully behind their candidate.

6. (sometimes regarded as nonstandard, US, informal) Following, subsequent to; as a result or consequence of; because of.

adverb

1. At or in the rear or back part of something.

   • The water flows out through the pipe, and the sediment collects behind.

2. In a rearward direction.

   • We ran and ran, without once looking behind.

3. So as to come after someone or something in position, distance, advancement, ranking, time, etc.

   • The slower runners were left a long way behind.
   • In the cricket match, England finished a long way behind.
   • The worst thing about autumn is that winter follows behind.

4. So as to be still in place after someone or something has departed or ceased to exist.

   • I couldn't be bothered to carry the ironing board, so I left it behind.
   • He stayed behind after the war.
   • He left behind a legacy of death and sorrow.
   • The island was inundated by the sea, leaving not a trace behind.

5. Backward in time or order of succession; past.

6. Behind the scenes in a theatre; backstage.

7. (archaic) Not yet brought forward, produced, or exhibited to view; out of sight; remaining.

adjective

1. Not advanced to the required or expected degree; overdue or in arrears.

   • I'm very behind in my schedule.
   • My employer is two paychecks behind on paying my salary.

2. (of a watch or clock) Slow.