Prefixes are building blocks of language. They attach to the beginning of words, tweaking their meaning and creating new, related words. One of the most common and versatile prefixes is “post-.”
The prefix “post-” can refer to time (as in “postpartum”), order, location (like “posterior”), or consequence. It’s a real workhorse in the English language.
This article will dig into the meaning of the prefix “post-,” exploring how it’s used and offering plenty of examples to help you understand it.
What does “post-” mean?
The prefix “post-” is a versatile little word bit. It can signify time, location, or order.
Time: “After”
Most often, “post-” means “after” or “following,” as in “post-war,” “post-modern,” or “post-operative.”
For example, you might read about the “post-1947 decline in the birth rate.”
Location: “Behind”
“Post-” can also refer to a location, meaning “behind” or “posterior.” You’ll often see this in anatomy, such as when describing the posterior part of an organ.
This is different from the temporal use of “post-,” which refers to when something happens, not where it is.
Order and sequence
Finally, “post-” can describe the order or sequence of events, meaning that something comes after something else. For instance, you might read a “post-election” analysis.
How “Post-” Works in a Sentence
The prefix “post-” is pretty versatile. You can stick it to nouns, adjectives, and even verbs.
Here are some examples of “post-” modifying nouns:
- Post-graduate
- Post-test
- Post-production
Here are some examples of “post-” modifying adjectives:
- Post-industrial
- Post-structural
It’s less common to see “post-” attached to verbs, and when it is, you’ll often need a hyphen. For instance:
- Post-date
Examples of “Post-” in Various Contexts
The prefix “post-” is versatile and appears in many different contexts. Here are some examples that showcase its usage.
Historical Contexts
In historical writing, “post-” often refers to a period of time following a significant event or era.
- “Post-16th century introduction from Mexico” suggests that something was brought over from Mexico sometime after the 1500s.
- “Government hit hard by recession, which has taken unemployment to a post-1930s high” means that unemployment has reached a level not seen since after the 1930s.
Scientific and Technical Contexts
In scientific and technical fields, “post-” often denotes something that happens after a specific process or event.
- “Post-operative care” refers to the care given to a patient following a surgical procedure.
- “Post-embryonic development” describes the developmental stages that occur after the embryonic stage.
Social and Political Contexts
In social and political discussions, “post-” is used to describe concepts or conditions that exist after a particular social or political phenomenon.
- “Post-colonialism” refers to the period and the ongoing effects of colonialism after the formal end of colonial rule.
- “Post-truth era” describes a time in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.
In Summary
The prefix “post-” is a versatile tool used in many different fields and time periods. You’ll find it everywhere from discussions of postmodern art to descriptions of someone’s postnasal drip.
The key thing to remember is that “post-” generally means “after,” “behind,” or “following.” The exact meaning depends on the context, but understanding this basic definition will help you decipher the word’s overall meaning.
Learning prefixes is a great way to build your vocabulary and boost your reading comprehension. And given how often “post-” pops up in modern language, mastering this particular prefix is a smart move.