to follow
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British pronunciation
/ˈfɒləʊ/

Definition & Meaning of "follow"

to follow
01

to move or travel behind someone or something

Intransitive
Transitive: to follow sb
to follow definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
The team followed their leader up the mountain.
She entered the room, and her dog followed obediently.
1.1

to accompany someone or something

Transitive: to follow sb somewhere
example
Example
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She followed her sister everywhere.
I 'll follow you to the store.
1.2

to go or move along a particular path, route, river, etc.

Transitive: to follow a path
example
Example
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We followed the riverbank for miles.
She followed the dog's tracks in the snow.
1.3

to go after a particular person to watch or monitor their actions

Transitive: to follow sb/sth
to follow definition and meaning
example
Example
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The detective followed the suspect all day.
The paparazzi followed the celebrity everywhere she went.
1.4

to pursue the direction or movement of someone or something

Transitive: to follow the direction of something
example
Example
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He followed her eyes, spotting the bird in the tree.
The cat followed the laser pointer, darting around the room.
1.5

(of a path, road, etc.) to go in the same direction as something else or in parallel with something else

Transitive: to follow the path or direction of something
example
Example
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The railway line follows the path of the old trade route.
The hiking trail follows the ridge of the mountain.
02

to come after another thing or person in order or time

Transitive: to follow an event or item [adj]
to follow definition and meaning
example
Example
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The sunset was followed by a beautiful night sky.
The peace treaty followed years of conflict.
2.1

to be a direct or logical consequence of something

Transitive: to follow that
Intransitive
example
Example
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It 's unclear how her promotion follows from her recent performance.
If the road is blocked, it follows that we need to find an alternative route.
2.2

to do a particular thing after something else

Ditransitive: to follow sth with sth
example
Example
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Please fill out the application form and follow it with your resume.
After completing the marathon, she followed it with a triumphant victory dance.
03

to act accordingly to someone or something's advice, commands, or instructions

Transitive: to follow an advice or command [adj]
to follow definition and meaning
example
Example
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She followed her doctor's advice and improved her health.
He has trouble following complex directions.
3.1

to conform and adhere to the principles, practices, or guidelines established by someone or something

Transitive: to follow a principle or guideline [adj]
example
Example
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She follows a vegan lifestyle, avoiding all animal products.
They follow the traditions and customs of their cultural heritage.
3.2

to do the same as another person or thing

Intransitive
Transitive: to follow a decision or approach
example
Example
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The trendsetter wore a unique fashion style, and soon others began to follow her fashion choices.
The company introduced flexible work hours, and other organizations followed their lead.
04

to pay great attention to someone or something by watching or listening

Transitive: to follow someone's actions or speech
example
Example
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The audience followed the speaker's every word, captivated by the powerful message.
His eyes followed her graceful movements as she danced across the stage.
4.1

to subscribe to a person or organization's account on a social media platform to check everything that they post or publish

Transitive: to follow a social media account
example
Example
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I follow my favorite bands on Instagram to stay updated on their latest music releases.
We should follow that organization on LinkedIn for updates on job opportunities.
4.2

(of a novel, movie, etc.) to be on the subject of the life or development of a particular person or thing

Transitive: to follow events of a narrative
example
Example
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The movie follows the journey of a young musician striving for success in the music industry.
The novel follows the protagonist's transformation from a shy introvert to a confident leader.
4.3

to take an interest in something and its development or progress

Transitive: to follow the development or progress of something
example
Example
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She has been following the presidential election closely.
Have you been following the developments in the scientific research field?
4.4

to understand something such as an explanation, story, or the meaning of something

Transitive: to follow an explanation or narrative
example
Example
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I could n't follow the professor's complex explanation of quantum physics.
Sorry, I do n't follow what you're saying.
05

to click on a particular link on the Internet

Transitive: to follow a link
example
Example
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Follow the link to access the online shopping website.
Follow the provided link to download the software onto your computer.
06

to be in a certain occupation or profession

Transitive: to follow a profession
example
Example
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Mary followed nursing until she retired.
John followed carpentry for many years.
07

to happen or develop in a specific manner

Transitive: to follow sth
example
Example
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The conversation followed a friendly tone.
The story follows a logical sequence.
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