Main Entry:

from

Pronunciation:

\ˈfrəm, ˈfräm also fəm\

Function:

preposition

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English from, fram; akin to Old High German fram, adverb, forth, away, Old English faran to go — more at fare

Date:

before 12th century

1 a—used as a function word to indicate a starting point of a physical movement or a starting point in measuring or reckoning or in a statement of limits <came here from the city><a week from today><cost from $5 to $10> b—used as a function word to indicate the starting or focal point of an activity <called me from a pay phone><ran a business from her home>2—used as a function word to indicate physical separation or an act or condition of removal, abstention, exclusion, release, subtraction, or differentiation <protection from the sun><relief from anxiety>3—used as a function word to indicate the source, cause, agent, or basis <we conclude from this><a call from my lawyer><inherited a love of music from his father><worked hard from necessity>