What does posthumously mean?
Posthumously means “after a person's death.” It is especially associated with the publication of a work written by someone who has died, as well as with awards, honors, and other official recognitions granted after a person's death. A book may be published posthumously when its author completes the manuscript but dies before its release; similarly, a person may be awarded a medal posthumously for conduct that could not be recognized during their lifetime. The adverb can carry emotional weight, suggesting that recognition has arrived too late for the person to know or enjoy it. It derives from the adjective posthumous, which comes from Latin. In general use, the word is more common in formal contexts than in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives such as “after death” may be preferred.
adverbAfter a person's death. It is used especially of works, events, or actions that take place or are recognized after the subject has died.
- After a person's death; during or following the period after someone's death.
"The novel was published posthumously and became an immediate classic."
"Her final novel was released posthumously to critical acclaim."
"The medal was awarded posthumously in recognition of his bravery."
A posthumous work can outshine its creator: the author never sees the reception, yet the book may become a lasting classic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does posthumously come from?
The word was borrowed from Latin posthumus, meaning “after death” or “after burial,” and entered English in the early 16th century. Latin posthumus was formed from post, meaning “after,” and humus, meaning “earth,” although its precise historical development has been debated. The modern adverb is the adverbial form of the adjective posthumous and has the same basic sense of occurring after a person's death.
Related word forms
How posthumously is actually used
The word is formal and commonly used with publications, awards, honors, and official recognition. It is less usual for ordinary events that simply happen after someone has died.
Easily confused with posthumously
Posthumously is the adverb meaning “after death,” while posthumous is the corresponding adjective describing something that occurs or is recognized after death.