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adv. 1. In, to, or toward the rear: We walked behind. 2. In a place or condition that has been passed or left: I left my gloves behind. 3. In arrears; late: I fell behind in my payments. 4. Below the standard level; in or into an inferior position: Don't fall behind in class. 5. Slow: My watch is running behind. 6. Archaic Yet to come or in reserve: "the expectation of some new possession, or of some enjoyment yet behind" (Samuel Johnson). prep. 1. At the back of or in the rear of: He sat behind her. 2. On the farther side or other side of; beyond: The broom is behind the door. 3. In a place or time that has been passed or left by: Their worries are behind them. 4. a. Later than: The plane was behind schedule. b. Used to indicate deficiency in performance: behind us in technological development. 5. a. Hidden or concealed by: hatred hidden behind a bland smile. b. In the background of; underlying: Behind your every action is self-interest. 6. In a position or attitude of support: The leaders have the army behind them. 7. In pursuit of: The police were hard behind the escapees. n. Informal The buttocks. [Middle English bihinde, from Old English behindan; see ko- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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