Behind vs. Beyond — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 8, 2024
"Behind" refers to being at the back of something or someone, indicating physical location, while "beyond" suggests something that is farther than a certain point, often implying metaphysical distances or abstract concepts.
Difference Between Behind and Beyond
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Key Differences
"Behind" denotes a position at the rear or back of an object, person, or concept, implying physical location or lag in progression. For instance, one might be behind schedule, indicating a delay. Whereas, "beyond" is used to refer to a point or level that is past a certain limit, often conveying the idea of exceeding boundaries, whether they are physical, conceptual, or metaphorical. It can suggest something is out of reach or more extensive than a predefined area.
The use of "behind" often implies a relationship based on direction or sequence, such as being late or not up-to-date. It suggests a comparative positioning with a reference point, such as a person standing behind another. On the other hand, "beyond" carries a notion of surpassing or exceeding, which can be applied to tangible distances or intangible measures, like going beyond expectations.
In spatial terms, "behind" specifies a clear relational positioning that can be observed or measured, as in one object being directly back of another. This can also apply to temporal or hierarchical relationships, indicating a form of support or subordination. Conversely, "beyond" implies a transcending or extending past a boundary or threshold, often used to discuss concepts like time, understanding, or physical spaces that are not immediately quantifiable.
"Behind" can also indicate support or backing in a less physical, more metaphorical sense, such as being behind a movement or idea, suggesting alignment or endorsement. Whereas "beyond" is used to explore ideas, possibilities, or realms that are outside of conventional limits, inviting contemplation of the unknown or the not yet achieved, like thinking beyond the present.
Comparison Chart
Literal Meaning
At the back of something
Farther than a certain point
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Context
Physical location, temporal sequence, support
Physical distance, exceeding limits, abstract concepts
Usage
Describing spatial or hierarchical relationships
Indicating surpassing limits or exploring new realms
Connotation
Positional, often implying lag or support
Transcendence, extension past known or usual limits
Examples
"The park is behind the building."
"His thoughts were beyond our understanding."
Compare with Definitions
Behind
Positionally located at the back of something.
The library is behind the post office.
Beyond
Farther away than a specified point or limit.
The village lies beyond the mountains.
Behind
Less advanced in development or progress.
The technology company is behind its competitors in innovation.
Beyond
In the future, further ahead in time.
We need to plan for the challenges beyond 2025.
Behind
Late or delayed in comparison to a schedule or expectation.
The project is behind schedule due to unforeseen delays.
Beyond
Outside the range or scope of something.
The concept is beyond the understanding of most people.
Behind
Having something as a reason or cause.
There’s a fascinating story behind the discovery of this ancient site.
Beyond
Transcending or exceeding usual limits.
The artist's work moves beyond traditional boundaries of the genre.
Behind
Supporting or endorsing someone or something.
The whole team is behind the new initiative for sustainability.
Beyond
Surpassing a certain level, amount, or standard.
His generosity goes beyond what anyone expected.
Behind
At or to the far side of (something), typically so as to be hidden by it
The recording machinery was kept behind screens
The sun came out from behind a cloud
Beyond
On the far side of; past
Just beyond the fence.
Behind
Following or further back than (another member of a moving group)
We were stuck behind a slow-moving tractor
Beyond
Later than; after
Beyond midnight.
Behind
In support of or giving guidance to (someone else)
The power behind the throne
Whatever you decide to do, I'll be behind you
Beyond
To a degree that is past the understanding, reach, or scope of
An evil beyond remedy.
Behind
Less advanced than (someone or something) in achievement or development
The government admitted it is ten years behind the West in PC technology
Beyond
To a degree or amount greater than
Rich beyond his wildest dreams.
Behind
Having a lower score than (another competitor)
Woosnam moved to ten under par, five shots behind Fred Couples
Beyond
In addition to
Asked for nothing beyond peace and quiet.
Behind
At or to the far side of something
Campbell grabbed him from behind
Beyond
Farther along or away.
Behind
In a particular place after leaving or after others have moved on
Don't leave me behind
Beyond
In addition; more
Wanted her share but nothing beyond.
Behind
Further back than other members of a moving group
Ben led the way, with Joe a short distance behind
Beyond
That which is past or to a degree greater than knowledge or experience; the unknown
"Sputnik, the first satellite to enter the great beyond of space" (Dale Russakoff).
Behind
(in a contest or match) having a score lower than that of the opposing team
England were still 382 runs behind
Beyond
Further away than.
Behind
Late in accomplishing a task
I'm getting behind with my work
Beyond
On the far side of.
No swimming beyond this point.
Behind
A person's buttocks
She slid inelegantly down a few steps on her behind
Beyond
Later than; after.
Behind
A kick that sends the ball over a behind line, or a touch that sends it between the inner posts, scoring one point.
Beyond
Greater than; so as to exceed or surpass.
Your staff went beyond my expectations in refunding my parking ticket.
Behind
In, to, or toward the rear
We walked behind.
Beyond
In addition to; supplementing.
She had no reason for the conviction beyond the very inadequate one that she had seen him around London.
Behind
In a place or condition that has been passed or left
I left my gloves behind.
Beyond
Past, or out of reach of.
You won't last beyond my first punch.
The patient was beyond medical help.
Behind
In arrears; late
I fell behind in my payments.
Beyond
(figurative) Not within the comprehension of.
He understood geometry well, but algebraic topology was beyond him.
Behind
Below the standard level; in or into an inferior position
Don't fall behind in class.
Beyond
Farther along or away.
Next year and beyond.
Behind
Slow
My watch is running behind.
Beyond
In addition; more.
Behind
(Archaic) Yet to come or in reserve
"the expectation of some new possession, or of some enjoyment yet behind" (Samuel Johnson).
Beyond
(informal) extremely, more than
Behind
At the back of or in the rear of
He sat behind her.
Beyond
The unknown.
Behind
On the farther side or other side of; beyond
The broom is behind the door.
Beyond
The hereafter.
Behind
In a place or time that has been passed or left by
Their worries are behind them.
Beyond
Something that is far beyond.
Behind
Later than
The plane was behind schedule.
Beyond
On the further side of; in the same direction as, and further on or away than.
Beyond that flaming hill.
Behind
Used to indicate deficiency in performance
Behind us in technological development.
Beyond
Past, out of the reach or sphere of; further than; greater than; as, the patient was beyond medical aid; beyond one's strength.
Behind
Hidden or concealed by
Hatred hidden behind a bland smile.
Beyond
In a degree or amount exceeding or surpassing; proceeding to a greater degree than; above, as in dignity, excellence, or quality of any kind.
Beyond any of the great men of my country.
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter.
Behind
In the background of; underlying
Behind your every action is self-interest.
Beyond
Further away; at a distance; yonder.
Lo, where beyond he lyeth languishing.
Behind
In a position or attitude of support
The leaders have the army behind them.
Beyond
Farther along in space or time or degree;
Through the valley and beyond
To the eighth grade but not beyond
Will be influential in the 1990s and beyond
Behind
In pursuit of
The police were hard behind the escapees.
Beyond
On the farther side from the observer;
A pond with a hayfield beyond
Behind
(Informal) The buttocks.
Beyond
In addition;
Agreed to provide essentials but nothing beyond
Behind
At or to the back or far side of.
The children were hiding behind the wall.
The sun went behind the clouds.
Look behind you!
In front of
Behind
(figuratively) Concealed by (something serving as a facade or disguise).
Behind the smile was a cruel intention.
Behind
(figuratively) In the past, from the viewpoint of.
All my problems are behind me.
Behind
Less forward or advanced than; after.
Ahead of
Behind
After in physical progress or distance.
Smith finished the race a lap behind the others.
Behind
After in developmental progress, score, grade, etc.; inferior to.
I'm ranked sixth in the French class, behind five other pupils.
In the cricket match, England are 120 runs behind India.
Behind
After in time.
London is nine hours behind Tokyo.
Behind
Responsible for, being the creator or controller of.
Who is behind these terrorist attacks?
Mr Jones was the man behind the redevelopment plan.
Behind
Underlying, being the reason for or explanation of.
What is behind this unexpected decision?
Behind
In support of.
The republicans are fully behind their candidate.
Behind
As a result or consequence of.
Behind
At or in the rear or back part of something.
The water flows out through the pipe, and the sediment collects behind.
Behind
In a rearward direction.
We ran and ran, without once looking behind.
Behind
So as to come after someone or something in position, distance, advancement, ranking, time, etc.
The slower runners were left a long way behind.
In the cricket match, England finished a long way behind.
The worst thing about autumn is that winter follows behind.
Behind
Backward in time or order of succession; past.
Behind
Behind the scenes in a theatre; backstage.
Behind
(archaic) Not yet brought forward, produced, or exhibited to view; out of sight; remaining.
Behind
Not advanced to the required or expected degree; overdue or in arrears.
I'm very behind in my schedule.
My employer is two paychecks behind on paying my salary.
Behind
(of a watch or clock) Slow.
My watch is behind by four minutes.
Behind
The rear, back-end.
This part fits under the behind of the vehicle.
She sneaked up on me from behind.
Behind
(informal) The buttocks, bottom, butt.
I was stung on the behind by a wasp.
Behind
(Australian rules football) A one-point score.
Behind
The catcher.
Behind
In the Eton College field game, any of a group of players consisting of two "shorts" (who try to kick the ball over the bully) and a "long" (who defends the goal).
Behind
On the side opposite the front or nearest part; on the back side of; at the back of; on the other side of; as, behind a door; behind a hill.
A tall Brabanter, behind whom I stood.
Behind
Left a distance by, in progress of improvement Hence: Inferior to in dignity, rank, knowledge, or excellence, or in any achievement.
I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
Behind
At the back part; in the rear.
Behind
Toward the back part or rear; backward; as, to look behind.
Behind
Not yet brought forward, produced, or exhibited to view; out of sight; remaining.
We can not be sure that there is no evidence behind.
Behind
Backward in time or order of succession; past.
Forgetting those things which are behind.
Behind
After the departure of another; as, to stay behind.
Leave not a rack behind.
Behind
The backside; the rump.
Behind
The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on;
He deserves a good kick in the butt
Are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
Behind
Having the lower score or lagging position in a contest;
Behind by two points
The 8th inning found the home team trailing
Behind
In or to or toward the rear;
He followed behind
Seen from behind, the house is more imposing than it is from the front
The final runners were far behind
Behind
Remaining in a place or condition that has been left or departed from;
When he died he left much unfinished work behind
Left a large family behind
The children left their books behind
He took off with a squeal of tires and left the other cars far behind
Behind
Of timepieces;
The clock is almost an hour slow
My watch is running behind
Behind
In or into an inferior position;
Fell behind in his studies
Their business was lagging behind in the competition for customers
Behind
In debt;
He fell behind with his mortgage payments
A month behind in the rent
A company that has been run behindhand for years
In arrears with their utility bills
Common Curiosities
What does "behind" indicate in spatial terms?
"Behind" indicates a position at the back of or in the rear of something else.
What does it mean to think "beyond"?
To think "beyond" means to consider what lies outside the current limits or understanding, exploring further possibilities.
Can "beyond" refer to abstract concepts?
Yes, "beyond" can refer to abstract concepts, such as exceeding limits, understanding, or expectations.
How does "beyond" convey a sense of distance?
"Beyond" conveys a sense of distance by indicating something is farther away than a certain point, limit, or boundary.
Is "behind" used only in physical contexts?
No, "behind" can also be used in non-physical contexts, such as being behind in payments or studies.
How can "behind" relate to causes or reasons?
"Behind" can indicate having something as a reason or cause, such as motivations or driving forces behind an action.
Can "behind" imply support or endorsement?
Yes, "behind" can imply support or endorsement, as in supporting a person, idea, or movement.
How is "behind" used in a temporal context?
In a temporal context, "behind" suggests being late or delayed relative to a schedule or expected timing.
What is an example of "beyond" in a metaphorical sense?
"His ideas were beyond the ordinary," suggesting they surpassed common thoughts or expectations.
Can "behind" indicate a lag in progress?
Yes, "behind" can indicate a lag or delay in progress compared to others or expected timelines.
What distinguishes "behind" from "beyond" in usage?
"Behind" typically refers to a rear position or lag, while "beyond" suggests exceeding limits or extending past a boundary.
Does "behind" always imply a negative connotation?
Not always; while it can indicate a delay or support, the connotation depends on the context in which it's used.
How is "beyond" used to discuss future planning?
"Beyond" is used in future planning to indicate considerations or preparations for time periods or events that lie ahead in the future.
Can "beyond" imply a challenge or difficulty?
Yes, "beyond" can imply a challenge, especially when it refers to something that is hard to achieve or understand.
What does "beyond our understanding" mean?
It means something is outside or exceeds what we can comprehend or grasp mentally.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
