beyond

1 preposition

1 on or to the further side of something: Beyond the mountains was the border territory.

2 later than a particular time, date etc: The disco went on until beyond .midnight. | The new law extends the ban beyond 1998.

3 more or greater than a particular amount, level, or limit: Most people do not choose to work beyond the normal retirement age. | Inflation has now risen beyond the level of 5%.

4 outside the range or limits of someone or something: Such tasks are beyond the scope of your average schoolkid. | The light switch was beyond the child's reach.

5 beyond belief/doubt/recognition etc used to say that you cannot believe something, doubt something etc: The town centre had changed beyond all recognition.

6 be beyond sb especially spoken to be too difficult for someone: Algebra was always beyond me.

7 it is beyond me why/what etc spoken used to say that something seems completely stupid and you cannot understand the reason for it: Why Joan ever married such an idiot in the first place is beyond me.

8 used like `except' in negative sentences: Fred owns nothing beyond the clothes on his back. | I can't tell you anything beyond what you know already.

2 adverb

1 on or to the further side of something: They crossed the mountains and headed for the valleys beyond.

2 later than a particular time, date etc: What changes await us in the year 2000 and beyond?

3 noun the beyond literary whatever comes after this life