aftermath

aftermath

Typically, “aftermath” meant to describe the period of time after something bad has happened.

Meaning

• the effects of something traumatic
• the consequences of an event
• after effects

Synonyms

• result
• consequences
• outcome
• upshot
• repercussion

Example Sentences

1. A lot ofcountries sent help in the aftermath of the earthquake.
2. There arenumerous videos online that show the aftermath of the tsunami that hit Thailand a few years ago.
3. Our familyhad to stand together in the aftermath of the scandal.
4. We are allwaiting to see what the aftermath of the fight will be.

Origin

The first part of the word iseasy enough to decipher. The second part has quite interesting origins. Theword math comes from the Old English mæth that means “mowing,” frommamacrwan “to mow”

In the 1500s the term was usedto describe a second, or even third crop of grass that was planted in the samelocation as one that had already been harvested. Thus, the farmers had toreturn to do a second mowing. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the word wasused in a variety of different forms, like:

aftercrop (1560s), aftergrass (1680s), lattermath

The figurative sense of theword, as we use it today has been used since the 1650s.