# hereafter

/hɪˈɹæftɝ/ (US) · /hiəɹˈɑːftɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hereafter
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

life after death. People use this word when talking about what happens to the soul when the body dies.

For teachers: existence or life after death, often within a religious or spiritual context.

## Examples

- Many religions teach that there is a peaceful hereafter.
- The poet spent his final years writing about the mystery of the hereafter and the journey of the soul.
- While some focus entirely on their present circumstances, others live according to strict moral codes in the hope of securing a favorable place in the hereafter.

## Usage notes

- Typically preceded by the definite article 'the'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.