How Do You Spell KEEP AFTER?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːp ˈaftə] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "keep after" is explained by the IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "keep," is pronounced as /kiːp/, with a long "e" sound and a soft "p" at the end. The second word, "after," is pronounced as /ˈæftər/, with a short "a" followed by an "f" sound and an unstressed schwa vowel sound. The phrase "keep after" means to persistently remind or urge someone to do something, and its spelling accurately represents its pronunciation in English.

KEEP AFTER Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "keep after" can be defined as a phrasal verb that means to persistently remind, urge, or pressure someone to do or complete something, especially a task or responsibility. It implies a continuous effort to ensure that a task is not forgotten or neglected.

    When someone "keeps after" another person, they consistently remind or prompt them about a specific action that needs to be taken or a duty that needs to be fulfilled. This can involve regular follow-ups, gentle prodding, or assertive insistence, depending on the context or urgency of the matter.

    The purpose of "keeping after" someone is to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved or that a particular responsibility is not ignored or neglected. It serves as a form of motivation, encouragement, or supervision to maintain progress or adherence to deadlines.

    This term is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts. For instance, a parent might "keep after" their child to complete their homework or pick up their room. Similarly, a supervisor might "keep after" an employee to submit a report or to finish a project on time.

    Overall, "keeping after" someone signifies a persistent effort to make sure that duties or tasks are carried out, demonstrating a sense of determination and accountability.

Common Misspellings for KEEP AFTER

  • jeep after
  • meep after
  • leep after
  • oeep after
  • ieep after
  • kwep after
  • ksep after
  • kdep after
  • krep after
  • k4ep after
  • k3ep after
  • kewp after
  • kesp after
  • kedp after
  • kerp after
  • ke4p after
  • ke3p after
  • keeo after
  • keel after
  • kee- after

Etymology of KEEP AFTER

The phrase "keep after" is composed of two separate words, each with its own etymology:

1. Keep: The word "keep" comes from the Old English word "cēpan" or "cȳpan", which means "to care for, guard, or protect". It can also mean "to hold or retain possession of", or "to continue or persist". Over time, the meaning of "keep after" has evolved to convey the idea of persistently pursuing or urging someone to do something, particularly in the context of exerting pressure or motivation.

2. After: The word "after" has its roots in Old English as well, derived from "æfter". Originally, it denoted "behind" or "in pursuit of". In the context of "keep after", "after" implies a continued effort made in pursuit of an individual or a goal.

Idioms with the word KEEP AFTER

  • keep after sb/sth The idiom "keep after sb/sth" means to persistently pursue or continue to remind, persuade, or urge someone or something to do something. It implies the act of not giving up and consistently working towards a desired outcome or task.
  • keep after (someone or something) The idiom "keep after (someone or something)" refers to persistently and continuously reminding, urging, or pressuring someone to do something or to take action. It indicates the act of not giving up in pursuit of achieving a desired outcome or change.
  • keep after someone (about something) The idiom "keep after someone (about something)" means to persistently remind or urge someone to do or complete something. It implies consistent, repeated efforts to encourage, nag, or prompt another person regarding a specific task or action.
  • keep after sm (about sth) The idiom "keep after someone (about something)" refers to persistently reminding or urging someone to do something or to stay focused on a task or responsibility. It implies consistently nagging or insisting on completion or fulfillment, usually in a supportive or motivating manner.
  • keep after To persistently remind, urge, or nag someone to do something or complete a task.