Following means coming after something in time, order, or place. As a noun, it can also mean a group of supporters or fans who regularly watch, read, or support someone.
“Following” comes from the verb “follow,” from Old English “folgian,” meaning “to go after.” The “-ing” form developed into a noun and adjective to talk about what comes next or who comes after.
When influencers talk about “growing a following,” they’re literally collecting people who come after them—digitally, not on a road. The word quietly ties modern social media behavior to ancient ideas of leaders and their followers.
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