Definition of behind

< behest

behindhand >

be·hind    (b-hnd) KEY 

ADVERB:

1. In, to, or toward the rear: We walked behind.
2. In a place or condition that has been passed or left: I left my gloves behind.
3. In arrears; late: I fell behind in my payments.
4. Below the standard level; in or into an inferior position: Don't fall behind in class.
5. Slow: My watch is running behind.
6. Archaic Yet to come.

PREPOSITION:

1. At the back of or in the rear of: He sat behind her.
2. On the farther side or other side of; beyond: The broom is behind the door.
3. In a place or time that has been passed or left by: Their worries are behind them.
4. 1. Later than: The plane was behind schedule.
   2. Used to indicate deficiency in performance: behind us in technological development.
5. 1. Hidden or concealed by: hatred hidden behind a bland smile.
   2. In the background of; underlying: Behind your every action is self-interest.
6. In a position or attitude of support: The leaders have the army behind them.
7. In pursuit of: The police were hard behind the escapees.

NOUN:

Informal The buttocks.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English bihinde, from Old English behindan; see ko- in Indo-European roots