preposition

prep·o·si·tion

noun \ˌpre-pə-ˈzi-shən\

Definition of PREPOSITION

: a function word that typically combines with a noun phrase to form a phrase which usually expresses a modification or predication

— prep·o·si·tion·al \-ˈzish-nəl, -ˈzi-shə-n^əl\ adjective

— prep·o·si·tion·al·ly adverb

Examples of PREPOSITION

1. The preposition “on” in “The keys are on the table” shows location.
2. The preposition “in” in “The movie starts in one hour” shows time.

Origin of PREPOSITION

Middle English preposicioun, from Anglo-French preposicion, from Latin praeposition-, praepositio, from praeponere to put in front, from prae- pre- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with PREPOSITION

acoustician, acquisition, admonition, aesthetician, air-condition, ammunition, apparition, apposition, coalition, co-edition, competition, composition, cosmetician, decommission, decondition, definition, demolition, deposition, dietitian, disposition, disquisition, electrician, erudition, exhibition, expedition, exposition, extradition, first edition, imposition, in addition, inanition, in commission, inhibition, inquisition, intermission, intromission, intuition, linguistician, logistician, malnutrition, malposition, manumission, mathematician, mechanician, micturition, obstetrician, on commission, opposition, Ordovician, parturition, politician, precognition, precondition, premonition, proposition, recognition, recondition, repetition, requisition, rescue mission, rhetorician, self-ignition, statistician, submunition, superstition, supposition, text edition, trade edition, transposition