behind
/ˈbiˌhaɪnd/ preposition A1- At or to the back or far side of. · The children were hiding behind the wall.· Behind the garage needs clearing asap.
- Concealed by (something serving as a facade or disguise). · Behind the smile was a cruel intention.
- In the past, from the viewpoint of. · All my problems are behind me.
- After in physical progress or distance. · Smith finished the race a lap behind the others.
- After in developmental progress, score, grade, etc.; inferior to. · I'm ranked sixth in the French class, behind five other pupils.· In the cricket match, England are 120 runs behind India.
- After in time. · London is nine hours behind Tokyo.
- Responsible for, being the creator or controller of. · Who is behind these terrorist attacks?· Mr Jones was the man behind the redevelopment plan.
- Underlying, being the reason for or explanation of. · What is behind this unexpected decision?
From the library
Behind them was the dark forest they had passed safely through, although they had suffered many discouragements; but before them was a lovely, sunny country that seemed to beckon them on to the Emerald City.
The shipowner, smiling, followed him with his eyes until he saw him spring out on the quay and disappear in the midst of the throng, which from five o’clock in the morning until nine o’clock at night, swarms in the famous street of La Canebière,—a street of which the modern Phocéens are so proud that they say with all the gravity in the world, and with that accent which gives so much character to what is said, “If Paris had La Canebière, Paris would be a second Marseilles.” On turning round the owner saw Danglars behind him, apparently awaiting orders, but in reality also watching the young sailor,—but there was a great difference in the expression of the two men who thus followed the movements of Edmond Dantès.
Suddenly, he felt an arm thrown around his body, and a well-known voice behind him exclaimed, “Father—dear father!”
But stand close behind me, and I will fight them as long as I am alive.”
Other matches
Learn behind in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.