afterthought

IPA/ˈɑːftəθɔːt/
KK[ˈæftɚθˌɑt]IPA/ˈæftərθɔːt/

afterthought — noun

  • afterthoughtsingular
  • afterthoughtsplural

1. something such as an idea, detail, or plan that people add only later, after the

1.nounC1
Definition

something such as an idea, detail, or plan that people add only later, after the main plan is already set

Example

The bike rack was added as an afterthought once more students started cycling.

added as an afterthought

At dinner, Sivan realized flowers had been an afterthought in the wedding plan.

Common collocations
  • as an afterthought
  • added as an afterthought
  • feel like an afterthought
  • seem like an afterthought
  • treat something as an afterthought
Synonyms
  • addition

    a neutral extra part, without the idea that it came too late

  • extra

    an everyday word for something more, often less critical or less planned

  • appendix

    usually a formal added section at the end of a book or report

Grammar Patterns

afterthought

as an afterthought

Usage Note

Often follows verbs like be, seem, or treat ... as when speakers criticize something for being added too late or given too little attention.

Common Mistakes

On afterthought, we canceled the trip.
On second thought, we canceled the trip.
afterthought names a later-added idea or feature, while on second thought introduces a change of mind.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Afterthought, addition, extra, and appendix can all describe something that comes besides the main thing, but they differ in tone and timing. Addition is neutral and simply means something added. Extra is everyday and often suggests something optional or more than expected. Appendix is much more formal and usually means a section attached at the end of a book, report, or legal text. Afterthought adds an important idea: the thing was not planned from the start and may seem less important or less carefully prepared because it came late. Second thought is different again, because it means a changed opinion after reconsidering, not a feature or idea added later. A balcony can feel like an afterthought in a building design, but canceling a trip happens on second thought.

addition ↗extra ↗appendix ↗second thought

Common collocations

Phrases

  • as an afterthought

Etymology

English

Afterthought combines after and thought. It appeared in English to describe a thought that comes later than the first one. From that basic idea, it also came to mean a part of a plan or design that is only added later, often with less care or importance.