after the fact — after something has happened or been done; retrospectively
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: after something has happened or been done; retrospectively
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈæftər ðə fækt/
Example Sentences
- My mom always gives great advice after the fact, like 'You should have worn a jacket' when I'm already sneezing.
- The security cameras were installed after the fact, following the break-in last month.
- Don't be that friend who shows up with pizza after the fact when everyone's already full from cooking together.
after the fact
ADVERB[/ˈæftər ðə fækt/]
after something has happened or been done; retrospectively
a mother holds cleaning supplies while looking at her young child who stands next to spilled juice on the floor. The child points at the family cat walking away with wet paws leaving sticky tracks. Empty juice boxes lie scattered around showing the mess has already happened. The mother's expression shows she's just arrived to find the situation already complete. Other family members peek in from the doorway seeing the aftermath. someone learning about an incident after it has already occurred and been done
After the fact, he tracked what cracked!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This legal phrase derives from Latin 'post factum', meaning 'after the deed' or 'after the fact'. The term entered English as a direct translation of the Latin phrase and is commonly used in legal contexts to describe actions or knowledge occurring subsequent to an event.
Breakdown
post (after) + factum (deed, fact, past participle of facere meaning 'to do' or 'to make'). The compound literally translates to 'after the deed' in its original Latin form.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom always gives great advice after the fact, like 'You should have worn a jacket' when I'm already sneezing.”
“The security cameras were installed after the fact, following the break-in last month.”
“Don't be that friend who shows up with pizza after the fact when everyone's already full from cooking together.”
📚Related Words
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