'afterwards' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'æfterweardes,' where 'æfter' meant 'after' and 'weardes' meant 'toward.'

'æfterweardes' transformed into the Middle English word 'afterwardes,' and eventually became the modern English word 'afterwards.'

Initially, it meant 'toward the back or behind,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'at a later time.'