Afterwards/ˈæftərwərdz/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Sequence Clarity Used to indicate the sequential order of events, showing one action follows another. He'll give a speech, and answer questions afterwards. Pro Tip 2/3Time Gap Can imply a short or long period of time between events, context will clarify. The sun set and, shortly afterwards, the stars appeared. Pro Tip 3/3No Immediate Action Suggests there is some delay before the next action, not occurring instantly. We graduated and met up afterwards, not right away.