Preposition: meaning, definitions and examples

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preposition

 

[ ˈprɛpəˌzɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

grammar usage

A preposition is a word that links nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. It expresses relationships in terms of time, place, direction, or manner. Common prepositions in English include 'in', 'at', 'on', 'from', and 'to'. They are crucial for building coherent sentences and indicate various abstract or physical relationships.

Synonyms

connector, linker

Examples of usage

  • The book is on the table.
  • She arrived at noon.
  • He walked to the store.
  • We will meet in the park.

Translations

Translations of the word "preposition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preposição

🇮🇳 पूर्वसर्ग

🇩🇪 Präposition

🇮🇩 preposisi

🇺🇦 прийменник

🇵🇱 przyimek

🇯🇵 前置詞

🇫🇷 préposition

🇪🇸 preposición

🇹🇷 edat

🇰🇷 전치사

🇸🇦 حرف الجر

🇨🇿 předložka

🇸🇰 predložka

🇨🇳 介词

🇸🇮 predlog

🇮🇸 forsetning

🇰🇿 предлог

🇬🇪 წინამდებარე

🇦🇿 ön söz

🇲🇽 preposición

Etymology

The word 'preposition' comes from the Latin term 'praepositio', which translates to 'put before'. This etymology reflects the function of prepositions as they often precede nouns or pronouns in a sentence to establish relationships. The prefix 'pre-' means 'before', while 'ponere' translates to 'to place'. In the history of the English language, prepositions were used to convey spatial, temporal, and contextual relationships, evolving over time as the language itself developed. Early English incorporated many prepositions from Old English, with the influence of Latin and French prepositions further enriching the vocabulary. Today, prepositions are an essential component of English grammar, helping to articulate complex ideas, directions, and relationships in both written and spoken forms.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,487, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.