verb

follow

FO-loh

verb

To move behind someone or something, going in the same direction.

"The dog followed her everywhere she went."

"Follow this road until you reach the bridge."

To act in accordance with instructions, rules, or a particular path or belief.

"Employees must follow the safety procedures at all times."

To understand or keep track of something as it happens.

"I couldn't follow his explanation — it was too technical."

To subscribe to updates from a person or account on social media.

"She followed her favorite author on social media."

To be a logical or natural result of something.

"It doesn't follow that because he's rich, he's happy."

How to Use Follow

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo go after someone/something, to obey instructions, to understand, or to subscribe to someone online.

Common pairings

follow instructions follow suit follow someone on social media as follows

Word Forms

followed past tense, follow plural, followed plural, follows plural, follows singular, follow singular, followed singular, followest singular, followedst singular, followeth singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The dog _____ her everywhere she went.

Etymology

From Old English folgian ("to follow, pursue"), an old Germanic verb.

Rhymes for follow

hollow

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