B15K

Postwar

UK //ˈpəʊstwɔː//US //ˈpoʊstwɔr//

Definition

Relating to the period after a war has ended.

In simple words: The time after a war has ended.

Examples

  • The postwar era saw significant economic growth.
  • Many countries faced challenges during the postwar recovery period.
  • The postwar films often reflect on the trauma of conflict.

Usage notes

Used to describe the period or conditions after a war, often applied in historical contexts. It's neutral but can be formal when discussing specific historical events.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'post' meaning after, and war as the time of fighting.

Collocations

  • postwar period
  • postwar economy
  • postwar society

Synonyms

  • after-war
  • peacetime
  • reconstruction

Antonyms

  • prewar
  • wartime

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'prewar' which refers to the time before a war.
  • Used incorrectly to describe ongoing conflicts instead of completed wars.