Definition of "after all" in English

Prepositional phrase

1. anyway, in any case; indicates a statement is true regardless of other considerations; used to reinforce or explain a point.

   • After all, they never come home for Christmas.
   • Of course he won't give you credit. After all, his first and last concern is his company's profit margin.

2. in the end, however; used in referring to something that was believed to be the case, but is not; or to an outcome that is not what was expected or predicted.

   • They won't be coming home for Christmas after all.

3. Introduces information that supports the preceding statement.

   • Of course he's coming to the party. After all, he did promise.