Afterlife

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɑːftəˌlaɪf/

Definitions

1. A condition or realm believed to exist beyond physical cessation that includes various interpretations of existence following death
2. An idea referring to a state or dimension believed to be encountered after one’s earthly life concludes
3. A concept referring to life or consciousness that continues beyond the end of physical life

Etymology: "Afterlife" is a plain compound: "after" joined to "life," with no hidden story behind it. The first element comes from Old English "æfter," meaning "behind" or "later in time," and the second from Old English "līf," which has roots reaching back to a Proto-Germanic word for living. Put together, the word describes the continuation of life once the living stage has ended. What makes the word interesting is how neatly it packages an idea that older English had to express with longer phrases. The compound lets a single noun stand for the whole notion of existence beyond death, whatever form a given belief gives it. Its meaning is broad on purpose: it covers heaven, hell, reincarnation, and the vaguer idea of a lasting legacy, all under one heading.

Synonyms: hereafter, next life, eternity, life after death

Antonyms: life, mortality