follow

Definitions

1. verb

   To go after someone or something.

   Examples

   • Follow that car!
   • She left the room and I followed.
   ≈trail≈tail≠guide≠lead
2. verb

   To come after something in order.

   Examples

   • B follows A in the alphabet.
   • We both ordered soup, with roast beef to follow.
   ≈succeed≈come after≈ensue≈follow≈follow on +6 more
3. verb

   To do what instructions or rules say.

   Examples

   • Follow these instructions carefully.
   • Soldiers are trained to follow orders.
   ≈pursue
4. verb

   To live by a religion or set of teachings.

   Examples

   • They follow the teachings of Buddhism.
   • She tries to follow her grandmother's advice.
5. verb

   To understand what someone says.

   Examples

   • Do you follow me?
   • I'm not sure I follow your reasoning.
6. verb

   To watch news or events closely.

   Examples

   • I followed the election closely.
   • My friends don't regularly follow the news.
7. verb

   To support a sports team.

   Examples

   • I follow Chelsea.
   • She has followed the same football team since childhood.
8. verb

   To see someone's posts on social media.

   Examples

   • Follow us on Twitter for more articles.
   • He follows several artists on Instagram.
   ≠unfollow
9. verb

   To be the logical result of something.

   Examples

   • If two numbers are not equal, it follows that one is larger.
   • If you ignore hygiene, illness will follow.
   ≈ensue
10. verb

    To choose a job or way of life.

    Examples

    • He followed the law as his chosen career.
    • She wanted to follow the arts.