behind

B1 · Intermediate

prep. giving support or help to someone.

prep. providing support, encouragement, or backing to a person or cause.

“The whole community is behind the team as they head to the finals.”

“The CEO remained firmly behind the marketing department's controversial decision, despite the initial negative feedback from shareholders.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

prep. the reason why something happened.

prep. serving as the underlying cause, motive, or explanation for an event or situation.

“Police are still trying to find out who was behind the robbery.”

“The investigative journalist spent months trying to uncover the powerful interests behind the sudden change in environmental policy.”

A2 · Elementary

adv. staying in a place after others have left.

adv. remaining in a location or state after the departure of others or the passing of an event.

“I forgot my umbrella behind at the restaurant yesterday.”

“While the rest of the family went to the beach, he stayed behind to finish his university application.”

B1 · Intermediate

adv. making less progress than you should.

adv. failing to keep up with a schedule, pace, or expected level of progress.

“The train is running ten minutes behind today.”

“The construction project fell months behind due to a series of unexpected supply chain disruptions and labour shortages.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

adj. late with a payment or a task.

adj. in arrears or late regarding a scheduled obligation, particularly financial payments.

“He is two months behind with his rent payments.”

“The company was significantly behind on its tax obligations, leading to a formal audit by the authorities.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. the part of the body you sit on.

n. the fleshy part of the human body that forms the buttocks.

“The toddler fell down right on his behind but didn't cry.”

“He slipped on the icy pavement and landed hard on his behind, much to the amusement of his friends.”