achterom

Dutch

Etymology

Univerbation of achter +‎ om.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌɑx.təˈrɔm/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: ach‧ter‧om

Adverb

achterom

1. around

   Heb je al achterom gekeken? ― Have you looked around the house yet?

   Achter het huis om. ― Around/Behind the house.

   Loop achter om het huis! ― Come around the house!

2. behind, backwards (over the shoulder)

   Heb je al achteromgekeken? ― Have you looked over your shoulder yet?

   Ze keek achterom. ― She looked back.

Usage notes

In the first meaning the word is a separate adverb of location, in the second a separable prepositional adverb that can be attached to certain verbs or served as verbal complement.

Related terms

• achterommetje