Dictionary

afterthink en · VERB

Etymology

Compound of after- + think, probably a calque of Ancient Greek μετάνοια (metánoia).

Meanings

1. To think about after the fact, reflect on.
2. To repent, or feel remorse for; to regret.
   • Never fear," said her husband ; " there, sit you down and mend your stockings, and the less you heed us the less you'll have to afterthink." 1870, Theodore Percival Wilson, Frank Oldfield; or, Lost and found:
   • Do not afterthink except for poetic or P.S. reasons. Never afterthink to "improve" or defray impressions, as the best writing is always the most painful personal wrung-out tossed from cradle warm protective mind – tap from yourself the song of yourself, blow! – now! [...] 2005, John Long, Drugs and the 'Beats': The Role of Drugs in the Lives and Writings:

Forms

Translations (1)

de nachträglich überdenken (To think about after the fact, reflect on)