Reading Theme:
Behind: Meanings, Examples, and Common Usage (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：at the back of (behind)
behind
/bɪˈhaɪnd/
prep., adv.
at the back of something or someone.
at the back of
➕
/æt ðə bæk ʌv/
prep., adv.
Indicates that something is located at the rear side of someone or something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'behindan': 'be-' (by) + 'hindan' (from behind).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'be' + 'hind' (a deer's rear). When you are behind, you are at the back side of something.
📖 Example
I think I left my phone behind the sofa.
I think I left my phone behind the sofa.
🔗 Collocations
behind the scenes – In secret or out of public view
behind schedule – Later than planned or expected
behind someone's back – Without someone's knowledge, in a deceitful way
🔄 Synonyms
after (prep.) – Subsequent in position or time
following (prep.) – Coming after in order or position
in the rear of (phrase) – At the back part of
🚫 Antonyms
in front of (phrase) – At the forward side of
ahead of (phrase) – In front or before in position
before (prep.) – In front of, earlier than
🌱 Derivatives
behindhand (adj.) – Late or delayed in doing something
📖 Cultural Story
Originally a compound in Old English. In modern English, it appears in idioms like 'behind the times' and 'behind someone's back', reflecting social or temporal concepts.
Meaning 2：not on time (behind)
behind
/bɪˈhaɪnd/
prep., adv.
not as advanced as planned or expected; later than someone or something else.
not on time
➕
/nɒt ɒn taɪm/
prep., adv.
Indicates that something is later than scheduled or expected, often implying a delay or lack of progress.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Our project is running two weeks behind schedule because of the bad weather.
Our project is running two weeks behind schedule because of the bad weather.
🔗 Collocations
fall behind – To fail to keep up with a schedule or standard
be behind with payments – To be late in making due payments
get behind – To become late or accumulate a backlog
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
behindhand (adj.) – Late or slow in doing something
Meaning 3：as the cause of (behind)
behind
/bɪˈhaɪnd/
prep., adv.
the real reason hidden underneath what you see; responsible for causing something.
as the cause of
➕
/æz ðə kɔːz ʌv/
prep., adv.
Indicates the hidden reason or motivating force underlying an outcome or event.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Hard work and dedication are behind her great success.
Hard work and dedication are behind her great success.
🔗 Collocations
the motive behind – The reason that drives an action
the idea behind – The concept that underlies something
the force behind – The main influence or driving power
🔄 Synonyms
underlying (adj.) – Being the fundamental cause or basis
responsible for (phrase) – Being the cause or source of something
driving (adj.) – Providing the main motivation or force
🚫 Antonyms
superficial (adj.) – Apparent but not the true cause
irrelevant (adj.) – Not connected to the cause
unrelated (adj.) – Having no connection to the cause
Wordbook
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