aftermath
UK[ˈɑːftəmæθ]US[ˈæftərmæθ]
n
the situation that exists as a result of an important (and usually unpleasant) event
n
a second crop of grass grown on the same land during the same season after the first crop has been harvested
Morpheme Breakdown
after
math
after
math
Etymology
the word 'aftermath' is a compound formed from two old english elements. its literal, agricultural origin is transparent: 'after' combined with 'math', an old english word for 'a mowing' or 'the crop of grass cut at one time'. thus, the 'aftermath' was literally the second crop of grass that grows after the first mowing of the season. this concrete meaning evolved metaphorically in the 17th century. just as new growth follows the cutting of hay, consequences—typically difficult or turbulent ones—follow a significant event, especially a disaster or war. this semantic shift from a specific farming term to a general term for consequences illustrates a common pattern where a tangible, physical concept provides a vivid metaphor for an abstract situation.
Analysis
Structure: after + math
- after (sense: following in time or place): from old english æfter, of germanic origin; related to dutch achter.
- math (sense: a mowing): from old english mæð, related to māwan (to mow).
Examples
the country struggled to rebuild in the aftermath of the civil war.
the emotional aftermath of the accident was harder to deal with than the physical injuries.
farmers in the region would often use the aftermath for grazing their livestock.