at

Meanings

1. 1
   prep

   In, near, or in the general vicinity of (a particular place).

   Caesar was at Rome.

2. 2
   prep

   Present or taking place during (an event).

   Was he at the meeting?

3. 3
   prep

   Indicating time of occurrence, especially an instant of time, or a period of time relatively short in context or from the speaker’s perspective.

   at six o’clock; at dawn; at closing time; at the age of twelve; at night; at the moment

4. 4
   prep

   In the direction of; towards; (often implied to be in a hostile or careless manner).

   Don’t just talk at someone; really listen to what they have to say.

5. 5
   prep

   Indicating action bearing upon something, especially continued or repeated action.

   Don't pick at your food!

6. 6
   prep

   In response or reaction to.

   At my request, they agreed to move us to another hotel.

7. 7
   prep

   Occupied in (activity).

   men at work; children at play

8. 8
   prep

   In a state of.

   The two countries are at war.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Germanic *at Old English æt Middle English at English at From Middle English at, from Old English æt (“at, near, by, toward”), from Proto-West Germanic *at, from Proto-Germanic *at (“at, near, to”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd (“near, at”). Cognate with Scots at (“at”), North Frisian äät, äit, et, it (“at”), Danish at (“to”), Swedish åt (“for, toward”), Norwegian åt (“to”), Faroese at (“at, to, toward”), Icelandic að (“to, towards”), Gothic 𐌰𐍄 (at, “at”), Latin ad (“to, near”).