Meaning & use
after all
Despite what was expected or previously stated; used to introduce a reason that explains or justifies something.
See it in a sentence
She decided to go to the party after all, even though she had originally planned to stay home.
Don't be too hard on him; he is, after all, still learning the job.
A note on using this word
After all has two related uses: signaling a changed outcome, as in she came after all, and introducing a justifying reason, as in he's new, after all.
Words with a similar meaning
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