preposition

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A word such as "in," "on," or "at" that shows the relationship between a noun and another word in a sentence.

   In the phrase "on the table," the word "on" is a preposition.

Simplified etymology

Preposition entered late Middle English and ultimately derives from Latin ponere, “to put or place.” It literally means “something put in front.”

From Middle English preposicioun, from Old French preposicion, from Latin praepositio, praepositionem, from praepono (“to place before”), equivalent to pre- + position. Compare French préposition. So called because it is placed before the word with which it is phrased, as in a bridge of iron, he comes from town, it is good for food, he escaped by running.

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External links

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