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Preposition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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preposition

[ˈprɛpəˌzɪʃən ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • Prepositions play a crucial role in establishing relationships in sentences, including location, time, and direction.
  • Common prepositions include 'in,' 'at,' 'on,' 'under,' and 'between,' which are often used in daily communication.

Linguistics

  • Different languages have different systems for prepositions; some languages, like Finnish, use cases instead.
  • In English, there are also compound prepositions composed of multiple words, like 'in front of' and 'next to.'

Education

  • Learning how to use prepositions is often one of the first steps in mastering grammar in a new language.
  • Many language learners struggle with prepositions, as their usage can vary greatly from one language to another.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'to boldly go where no man has gone before' from Star Trek showcases the power of prepositions in creating memorable dialogue.
  • Songs often play with prepositional phrases for rhymes and meanings, making them catchy and relatable.

Origin of 'preposition'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'praepositio,' meaning 'to place before,' since they usually come before nouns.
  • Old French used the term 'preposition' before it made its way into the English language in the late Middle Ages.

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.