Word
postwar
Phoneticspost·war
US/ˈpoʊstˈwɔɹ/
UK/pˈəʊstwɔː/
Definition
adj. happening or existing in the period after a war has ended. It usually refers to the years following World War II.
adj. occurring or existing in the period immediately following a war. Typically used to describe the social, economic, or political conditions after World War II.
Examples
“The postwar years were a time of great change.”
“Many European cities underwent massive reconstruction projects during the postwar period to repair damage from the conflict.”
“The postwar economic boom transformed the nation's middle class, leading to unprecedented levels of suburban development and consumer spending throughout the 1950s.”
Examples
simple
“The postwar years were a time of great change.”
contextual
“Many European cities underwent massive reconstruction projects during the postwar period to repair damage from the conflict.”
complex
“The postwar economic boom transformed the nation's middle class, leading to unprecedented levels of suburban development and consumer spending throughout the 1950s.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun. Often written as 'post-war' in British English.
Real-World Examples
“Since coming to power in 2022, she has become the leader of Italy’s longest-serving postwar government.” “They even flooded the club with clothing coupons to help kit out the side.” That cosy, close-knit and deeply sociable world of the postwar north-east suited Jackie down to the ground.” Etymology
From post- + war.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Collocations
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/postwar