postscript
C1Semi-formal to neutral; common in written communication.
Definition
Meaning
An additional note or message added after the main body of a letter or other text has been finished, typically beginning with the abbreviation 'P.S.'.
Any additional remark, fact, or piece of information added after an event, speech, or written work is considered complete.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originally a physical addition to a handwritten or typed letter. Its modern usage is often metaphorical, referring to an afterthought in conversation, books, or other media.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more formal and old-fashioned in British English; retains a quaint charm in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though digital communication has reduced its literal use in favour of the metaphorical.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
{Subject} added a postscript {to/at the end of} {Document}.The postscript {states/mentions/clarifies} that...{It/There} is a postscript.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “P.S. I love you.”
- “A postscript to history.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal letters or emails to add a point forgotten in the main body. 'P.S. Please send the revised figures.'
Academic
Used in books or articles as a final commentary or update. 'The author added a postscript to address recent developments.'
Everyday
Used in personal letters, emails, or conversationally to introduce a final thought. 'Oh, and postscript: Mum says hello.'
Technical
A file format or language for printers (PostScript). 'The document is saved as a PostScript file.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She postscripted her email with a request for biscuits.
American English
- He hastily postscripted the report with last-minute data.
adverb
British English
- It was added postscript, almost as an afterthought.
American English
- The apology came postscript, in a separate email.
adjective
British English
- The postscript remark changed the whole tone of the letter.
American English
- A postscript note contained the crucial meeting details.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I wrote a letter and put 'P.S. I miss you' at the end.
- Don't forget to read the postscript.
- She added a postscript to remind him about the meeting.
- At the bottom of the page, there was a short postscript.
- His biography includes a fascinating postscript on the subject's later life.
- As a postscript to my talk, I'd like to thank the organisers.
- The treaty was signed, but the diplomatic postscript lasted for months.
- The novel's poignant postscript reframes the entire narrative.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POST' (after) + 'SCRIPT' (writing). It's the writing you add AFTER the main text is done.
Conceptual Metaphor
A postscript is a TRAILER for a thought; an APPENDIX to a conversation; a TAG at the end of a story.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как «почтовый сценарий» (для технического термина PostScript).
- Основное значение — именно дополнение к письму, а не просто «приписка» в широком смысле, хотя это близко.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as 'post script' or 'post-script' (standard is one word).
- Using 'postscript' to mean a preface or introduction.
- Incorrectly capitalising as 'PostScript' when not referring to the computer language.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'PostScript' a technical term?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be written in full, but 'P.S.' is very common, especially in informal contexts. In formal writing, 'postscript' is often spelled out.
Traditionally, yes. A second postscript is abbreviated 'P.P.S.' (post-postscriptum).
No. While it originates from letters, it is now used metaphorically for any addition to speeches, books, emails, or conversations.
A footnote is a reference or comment at the bottom of a page, relating to a specific point in the text. A postscript is a general addition after the main text is complete, often presenting an afterthought or new information.