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Definition behind in British English

behind adverb, preposition

adverb, preposition
/bɪˈhaɪnd/

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 the back of someone or something

1.1

at the back of someone or something

Example

The teacher was standing behind me, looking over my shoulder.

Example

Some papers had fallen behind the cupboard.

Example

Harry went out and shut the door behind him (=after he had gone through it).

Example

Someone grabbed me from behind and pulled me to the ground.

Synonyms and related words
behind in front rear
1.2

following someone or something

Example

You walk ahead and we'll follow along behind.

Example

The other runners were a long way behind Benson.

Synonyms and related words
behind in front rear
1.3

on the other side of something from where you are

Example

The manager was sitting behind an enormous desk.

Example

We could hide behind those bushes.

Synonyms and related words
behind in front rear
2

used for saying what causes something or who is responsible for making it happen, especially when this is not obvious

Example

Police believe that a racist group is behind the attacks.

Example

What's behind this sudden change of policy?

3

late or too slow in doing things that you have to do

Example

The project is already a month behind schedule.

Example

I'm sorry your suit isn't ready yet. We've got a bit behind with things.

Example

Within a few months she had fallen behind with her rent.

Synonyms and related words
late belatedly overdue
4

remaining in a place after people have left

Example

A few people stayed behind to clear up.

Example

They left two of us behind to guard the luggage.

Example

Some of the equipment got left behind.

Synonyms and related words
remaining leftover residual
5

used for saying that someone or something is less successful or has made less progress than others

5.1

used for saying that someone or something is less successful or has made less progress than others

Example

I've been ill - that's why I'm behind everyone else in maths and French.

Example

Technology in Eastern Europe was at least 20 years behind the West.

Example

The Americans were falling behind in the competitive world of automobile design.

5.2

used for saying that one person or team has a lower score or is less likely to win than their opponent

Example

Davis is still behind in recent opinion polls.

Example

At half time, our team was behind by 12 points.

Synonyms and related words
adrift award-winning behind
6

used for saying that someone supports a person, action, or idea

Example

You're doing a great job, and I want you to know we're right behind you.

Example

Not everyone in the Cabinet was behind Thatcher's policies.

Example

When it came to a crisis, they all rallied behind their leader.

Synonyms and related words
supportive sympathetic pro
7

used for saying that someone's appearance or behaviour hides their real character or feelings

7.1

used for saying that someone's appearance or behaviour hides their real character or feelings

Example

Behind her quiet shy manner there is a passionate spirit.

Example

It was an evil business conducted behind a show of respectability.

7.2

used for talking about the real facts of a situation that people do not know

Example

Parents are demanding to know the truth behind these disturbing rumours.

Example

the terrible story behind the fur trade

8

if a bad experience or unpleasant situation is behind you, it no longer affects you or makes you unhappy

8.1

if a bad experience or unpleasant situation is behind you, it no longer affects you or makes you unhappy

Example

With the trauma of the divorce behind her, Sandra could look forward to a better life.

Example

Sure, I made some bad mistakes, but I want to put all that behind me now and think about the future.

Synonyms and related words
finished completed exhausted
8.2

if you have useful experience behind you, it gives you an advantage because you have gained skills and knowledge from it

Example

Robinson entered politics with 20 years' business experience behind him.

Definition behind in British English

Related Words

Words related to behind:

behind (adverb, preposition) behind (noun) behind bars (phrase) behind closed doors (phrase) behind someone’s back (phrase) behind the scenes (phrase) behind the times (phrase) drop behind (phrasal verb) fall behind (phrasal verb) get behind (phrasal verb) hide behind (phrasal verb) just etc (phrase) leave behind (phrasal verb) left behinds, the (plural noun) lie behind (phrasal verb) put something behind you (phrase) put the past behind you (phrase) stand behind (phrasal verb) stay behind (phrasal verb) the brains behind something (phrase) the reason behind something (phrase) throw your weight behind (phrase) wait behind (phrasal verb) wet behind the ears (phrase)