to

Meanings

1. 1
   part

   A particle used for marking the following verb as an infinitive.

   I want to leave.

2. 2
   part

   As above, with the verb implied.

   "Did you visit the museum?" "I wanted to, but it was closed."

3. 3
   part

   Used to indicate an obligation on the part of, or a directive given to, the subject.

   You are to go to the store and buy a bottle of milk.

4. 4
   conj

   In order to.

   I went to the shops to buy some bread.

5. 5
   prep

   In the direction of; towards.

   She looked to the heavens.

6. 6
   prep

   Indicating destination or final position: In the direction of, so as to arrive at or reach.

   We are walking to the shop.

7. 7
   prep

   Used to indicate the target or recipient of an action.

   I gave the book to him.

8. 8
   prep

   So as to contact, press against, impact, etc.

   I fixed the notice to the wall.

Etymology

From Middle English to, from Old English tō, from Proto-Germanic *tō ~ *ta, from Proto-Indo-European *de ~ *do (“to”). Cognate with Scots tae, to (“to”), North Frisian to, tö, tu (“to”), Saterland Frisian tou (“to”), Low German to (“to”), Dutch toe, te (“to”), German zu (“to”), West Frisian ta (“to”). Non-Germanic cognates include Albanian ndaj (“towards”), Irish do (“to, for”), Breton da (“to, for”), Welsh i (“to, for”), Russian до (do, “to”). Doublet of too.