behind

Behind: An Extensive Exploration of Its Meanings and Usage

Introduction:

The English word “behind” is a versatile preposition and adverb that holds a multitude of meanings and applications in various contexts. Its primary function is to indicate a position or location at the back of something or to follow in succession. However, “behind” also extends its semantic reach to encompass concepts such as delay, support, secrecy, and even causation. This article delves into the diverse meanings and usage of “behind” in both English and Turkish, providing comprehensive explanations and illustrative examples to enhance understanding.

1. Position and Location:

In its most fundamental sense, “behind” denotes a position or location at the back of something. It indicates that an object or person is situated in the rear or posterior part of another object or person. For instance:

• The cat hid behind the couch to avoid being seen.
• The painting was hung behind the sofa in the living room.
• The thief ran behind the building to escape the police.

In Turkish, the equivalent preposition for “behind” in this context is “arkada.” It is used in a similar manner to indicate a position at the back or rear:

• Kedi görülmemek için koltuğun arkasına saklandı.
• Resim oturma odasında kanepenin arkasına asıldı.
• Hırsız polisten kaçmak için binanın arkasına koştu.

2. Following in Succession:

“Behind” also signifies following in succession, either in terms of time, order, or position. It implies that something comes after or follows another thing in a sequence. Consider these examples:

• The runner was lagging behind the rest of the pack.
• The new movie is scheduled to come out behind the original release.
• The company is lagging behind its competitors in terms of market share.

In Turkish, the preposition “ardından” is commonly used to express the idea of following in succession:

• Koşucu diğerlerinin gerisinde kalıyordu.
• Yeni filmin orijinal yayın tarihinin ardından çıkması planlanıyor.
• Şirket pazar payı açısından rakiplerinin gerisinde kalıyor.

3. Delay or Late:

“Behind” can also convey the notion of delay or being late. It suggests that something has not happened or been completed on time or as expected. Examples include:

• The project is running behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances.
• The train was delayed behind schedule because of a mechanical issue.
• I’m running behind on my rent payment this month.

In Turkish, the expression “gecikmeli” is often used to indicate delay or being late:

• Proje öngörülemeyen koşullar nedeniyle gecikmeli olarak yürütülüyor.
• Tren mekanik bir sorun nedeniyle sefer saatinden gecikmeli olarak hareket etti.
• Bu ay kira ödememde gecikmeliyim.

4. Support or Backing:

“Behind” can be used to express support, backing, or endorsement of a person, cause, or idea. It implies that someone or something is standing behind or supporting another entity. For instance:

• The entire team is behind the new manager and his vision for the company.
• The government is behind the new initiative to promote renewable energy.
• I’m behind you all the way in your pursuit of your dreams.

In Turkish, the phrase “destek olmak” is commonly employed to convey the idea of support or backing:

• Tüm ekip yeni yönetici ve şirket vizyonu için destek oluyor.
• Hükümet yenilenebilir enerjiyi teşvik etme yönündeki yeni girişimi destekliyor.
• Hayallerinin peşinde koşarken sana her zaman destek oluyorum.

5. Secrecy or Hiddenness:

“Behind” can also be used to indicate secrecy, hiddenness, or concealment. It suggests that something is kept secret or hidden from view or knowledge. Examples include:

• There’s a secret room hidden behind the bookcase in the library.
• The truth behind the accident is still unknown.
• The politician was accused of having a hidden agenda behind his public statements.

In Turkish, the expression “gizli” is often used to convey the idea of secrecy or hiddenness:

• Kütüphanedeki kitaplığın arkasında gizli bir oda var.
• Kazanın arkasındaki gerçek hala bilinmiyor.
• Politikacı kamuoyuna yaptığı açıklamaların arkasında gizli bir ajandası olduğu suçlamasıyla karşı karşıya kaldı.

6. Causation or Reason:

In certain contexts, “behind” can be used to indicate causation or the reason behind something. It suggests that one thing is the cause or driving force behind another thing. Consider these examples:

• The economic crisis was behind the rise in unemployment.
• The success of the project was largely due to the hard work and dedication of the team behind it.
• The motive behind the crime remains a mystery.

In Turkish, the phrase “nedeniyle” is commonly employed to express the idea of causation or reason:

• Ekonomik kriz işsizlikteki artışın arkasındaydı.
• Projenin başarısı büyük ölçüde arkasındaki ekibin sıkı çalışması ve özverisi sayesindeydi.
• Suçun arkasındaki sebep hala bir gizem.

Conclusion:

The English word “behind” is a versatile and multifaceted word with a wide range of meanings and applications. It can indicate position, succession, delay, support, secrecy, and even causation. Its Turkish equivalent, “arkada,” “ardından,” “gecikmeli,” “destek olmak,” “gizli,” and “nedeniyle,” among others, are used in similar contexts to convey the various nuances of “behind.” Understanding the diverse meanings and usage of “behind” is essential for effective communication and accurate translation between English and Turkish.