TRAILING BEHIND Meaning and
Definition
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Trailing behind refers to the act of lagging or falling behind someone or something while moving in the same direction. It is often used figuratively to describe situations where individuals or entities are not keeping pace, lacking progression, or failing to meet expectations. The term "trailing behind" connotes a sense of being outpaced, left behind, or occupying a subordinate position with respect to others.
In a literal sense, when individuals or objects are trailing behind, they are physically situated at a lesser distance or position from the leading point. For example, a person walking or running slower than others in a group would be trailing behind. Similarly, an object or vehicle following at a significant distance from the one ahead would also be considered trailing behind.
In a figurative sense, trailing behind often describes situations where an entity or individual is falling behind in terms of progress, advancement, or achievement in comparison to others. It could denote a person's inability to catch up with their peers academically or professionally, or an organization's failure to keep up with competitors in terms of market position or technological advancements.
To summarize, "trailing behind" refers to the act of lagging or falling behind others while moving in the same direction, whether it is in a physical or metaphorical sense. It signifies a state of being outpaced, lacking progress, or occupying a subordinate position with respect to others.
Common Misspellings for TRAILING BEHIND
Etymology of TRAILING BEHIND
The etymology of the phrase "trailing behind" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Trail": This word originated in the Middle English period (around the 14th century) from the Old English "traghlian", which means to drag or pull along. It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic root "tragjanan", meaning to pull or drag.
2. "Behind": This term has its roots in the Old English word "behindan" (around the 9th century), which signifies at the back or in the rear. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "bi hindan", which carries a similar meaning.
When combined, the phrase "trailing behind" essentially means to drag or pull along while staying in the rear or at the back of something or someone.
