At Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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[æt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Preposition}

location

Used to indicate a point or place occupied in space; in or near.

Synonyms

beside, by, in, on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
at	Used to indicate a specific location or point. Often used for precise locations. We will meet at the coffee shop. She is waiting at the bus stop.
in	Used to indicate presence within a space, area, or volume. Appropriate for enclosed or defined spaces. The book is in the drawer. He lives in the city.
on	Used to indicate position on a surface or to denote days and dates. The keys are on the table. We have a meeting on Monday.
by	Used to indicate proximity but not necessarily immediate adjacency. It can also denote a method or a means by which something is done. The house is by the river. She traveled by bike.
beside	Used to indicate that something is next to or at the side of something else. Often denotes proximity with a sense of direct adjacency. She sat beside her friend. The lamp is beside the bed.

Examples of usage

She is at the bus stop.
I am at home.

^{Context #2 | Preposition}

time

Used to indicate a point or period of time when something happens.

Synonyms

by, during, in, on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
at	Used to refer to a specific point in time or a specific location. We will meet at 5 PM. She is waiting at the bus stop.
during	Used to refer to a period of time in which something happens. She stayed quiet during the meeting. It rained during the entire month of April.
on	Used to specify dates or days of the week, or to indicate something attached to the surface of another object. We have a meeting on Monday. The picture is hanging on the wall.
by	Indicates the person or thing that performs an action, or a deadline for something to be completed. The book was written by John. Please submit your report by Friday.
in	Indicates a period of time in which something occurs, a location, or a condition. He was born in 1990. The keys are in the drawer. She is in a good mood today.

Examples of usage

The party starts at 8 PM.
I will see you at the meeting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Grammar

It’s a preposition, which means it helps connect nouns to other words in a sentence.
'At' often specifies an exact location, like 'at home' or a particular time, such as 'at noon.'
It's commonly used in idiomatic expressions, like 'at odds' to indicate disagreement.

Cultural Usage

In modern communication, 'at' has become integral to digital culture, often appearing in social media handles (e.g., '@username').
In various dialects, the usage of 'at' can convey different nuances, showing regional speech variations.
'At' is also used in various educational and official contexts, such as 'at your service,' enhancing politeness.

Philosophy

The concept of 'place' represented by 'at' delves into discussions about existence and spatial awareness.
Some thinkers argue that our understanding of identity and existence depends significantly on how we relate to 'places' through words like 'at.'

Technology

'At' is foundational in programming languages for defining locations in code or data structures.
In geography and mapping apps, 'at' helps users specify destinations accurately, enhancing navigation experiences.
Tech companies have created GPS services that rely heavily on location terminology, folding 'at' into their user interfaces.

Origin of 'at'

Main points about word origin

'At' comes from old English 'æt,' which means 'near' or 'by.'
The use of the word has remained consistent throughout English history, highlighting its importance in structure.
In various languages, similar words serve the same purpose, showcasing the universal need for locating.

The word 'at' originated from the Middle English word 'at', which in turn came from Old English 'æt'. It has been used as a preposition in English since the 14th century, indicating location, time, or direction. The word has remained a fundamental part of the English language, serving as a crucial element in expressing relationships in space and time.