afterword
afterword
Pronunciation
afterword (US English): /ˈæf.tɚ.wɚdz/
Breakdown:
af /ˈæf/:
/æ/: open front unrounded vowel sound, similar to the "a" in "cat"
/f/: voiceless labiodental fricative consonant, produced by blowing air through the lips while briefly touching your upper teeth with your lower lip
tər /ˈtɚ/:
/t/: voiceless alveolar plosive consonant, produced by stopping the airflow completely with your tongue against the alveolar ridge (the bony bump behind your upper front teeth) and then releasing it
/ɚ/: syllabic rhotic sound, a mid central vowel sound combined with a postalveolar approximant (similar to a "r" sound)
wɚdz /wɚdz/:
/w/: voiced labiovelar approximant consonant, produced by rounding your lips and pushing air through them while also raising the back of your tongue towards the velum (the soft roof of your mouth)
/ɚ/: same syllabic rhotic sound as above
/z/: voiced alveolar fricative consonant, produced by creating turbulence with your tongue near the alveolar ridge
Word Form Variations
The term "afterword" itself has only one form. It functions as a singular noun referring to the additional section at the end of a written work. There is no plural form for "afterword" because it describes a single element within a text.
However, there are related terms that might be confused with plurals of "afterword." Here's the breakdown:
Singular: afterword
Similar terms:
Afterwords: This can be seen occasionally, but it's not a standard usage. It might be used informally or for emphasis, but generally "afterword" is sufficient.
Epigrams/Epilogues: These are separate concepts. Epigrams are short, witty sayings or poems, often used as introductions or conclusions. Epilogues are narrative sections that follow the main story, typically providing closure. They are not directly interchangeable with afterwords, which are typically more focused on contextual information rather than continuing the story.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Part of Speech: Noun (singular only)
Definition 1:
A concluding section of a written work, typically following the main text. It often provides additional information, commentary, or context about the work itself.
Synonyms: Postscript, epilogue (in a limited sense, though epilogues can be narrative), appendix (if containing supplementary material)
Antonym: Foreword (which appears at the beginning)
Definition 2:
A final statement or remark.
Synonyms: Conclusion, coda, epilogue (in a general sense)
Antonyms: Introduction, preface
Examples of Use
Books:
The afterword in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" offers historical context and explores the reception of the novel (Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale (1985)).
Michael Pollan includes an afterword in "The Omnivore's Dilemma" that discusses updates and developments since the book's initial publication (Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma (2006)).
Newspapers:
A newspaper might include an afterword in an investigative series, summarizing key findings and potential future implications (e.g., "Panama Papers Investigation: Afterword" in a fictional example).
Online Publications:
A website focused on gaming might publish an afterword to a review series, reflecting on overall trends or the reviewer's experience (e.g., "Afterword: Our Year in Review of Indie Games").
Entertainment Mediums:
A documentary filmmaker might include an afterword with updates on the film's subjects or the ongoing issues explored (e.g., on the DVD release of a documentary).
A video game might have a developer afterword thanking players and hinting at future plans (e.g., in the credits section).
Public Discourse:
A politician might deliver an afterword at a conference, summarizing key points and offering a call to action.
A public speaker might conclude their talk with an afterword that reiterates their main message and leaves the audience with a thought-provoking question.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Afterword
Due to the nature of "afterword" being used for concluding remarks or additional information, it's not as common to find it directly integrated into famous quotes. However, here are ten quotes that capture the essence of what an afterword might offer:
"The beginning is the most important part of the work (especially the end)." - Plato (This quote emphasises the importance of concluding thoughts)
"Leave the audience wanting more." - Kenneth Branagh (This reflects the potential function of an afterword to leave a lasting impression)
"The final twist of the screw." - Henry James (This captures the way an afterword can add a new layer of understanding)
"A good story is like a good meal, it leaves you wanting more." - Robert Louis Stevenson (Similar to #2, this highlights the potential for an afterword to spark further interest)
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu (This quote emphasises the retrospective view an afterword can offer)
"Hindsight is always 20/20." - Proverb (This reflects the way an afterword can offer additional insights based on the completed work)
"What a speaker says first he has learned by experience; what he says afterward he has learned by reflection." - Harold Macmillan (This highlights the value of reflection, which can be a key element of an afterword)
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." - C.S. Lewis (This quote emphasises the way an afterword can focus on future possibilities)
"The last act of a play reveals the play." - Samuel Beckett (This captures the way an afterword can shed light on the true meaning of the whole)
"The hole in the fence is there because someone wanted freedom on the other side of it." - Robert Frost (This quote uses a metaphor to suggest there's always more to the story, which aligns with the concept of an afterword)
Etymology
The word "afterword" is pretty straightforward! It's like two smaller words put together.
After: This means something that happens later in time, like "after lunch" or "after the movie."
Word: This simply means a group of letters with a meaning, like "cat" or "happy."
So, put together, "afterword" literally means "words that come after."
Interestingly, "afterword" is a relatively new word. It wasn't around until around 1890! Before that, people used terms like "epilogue" to describe the concluding section of a book.
An epilogue can be a bit different, though. Sometimes, it continues the story a little bit, while an afterword usually gives extra information about the book itself, like the author's thoughts or inspiration.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Afterword
While there aren't common phrases or idioms that directly incorporate "afterword," here are some related expressions that capture similar ideas:
On a final note: This phrase indicates concluding remarks.
In closing: Similar to "on a final note," this signifies the end of a discussion or presentation.
To leave you with this thought: This emphasises a final point the speaker wants the audience to remember.
Looking back: This suggests reflection on what has already been discussed.
Food for thought: This implies the information shared should prompt further consideration.
Parting words: These are final remarks before leaving or ending a conversation.
These expressions can be used to achieve a similar effect as an afterword, which is to offer concluding thoughts or additional information.
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Source Information
Definition of afterword from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
