Definition and meaning of English word "follow"
follow
/ˈfɒloʊ/
Meaning
VerbTo go after; to pursue; to move behind in the same path or direction, especially with the intent of catching.
How to use
The verb 'follow' is commonly used in everyday English, particularly in informal contexts, to describe the act of moving behind someone or something. A notable grammatical nuance is that 'follow' can be used with various prepositions, such as 'follow in someone's footsteps,' meaning to follow the same path or career as someone else. Learners should be cautious not to confuse 'follow' with 'fellow,' which refers to a person with a shared interest or a companion.
🇬🇧 English
follow
Example
Can you follow me to the meeting?
The teacher will follow the students.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- follow someone's advice— to do what someone suggests or recommends
- follow in someone's footsteps— to do the same thing as someone else, often in a job or career
- follow the rules— to obey or comply with regulations or guidelines
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #978 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "follow" mean?▼
The English word "follow" means "follow" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "follow"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "follow" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "follow"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Please follow the instructions carefully." (which translates as "follow").
More Core Verbs words
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