postposition

noun

post·​po·​si·​tion ˌpōs(t)-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce postposition (audio)
ˈpōs(t)-pə-ˌzi-
: the placing of a grammatical element after a word to which it is primarily related in a sentence
also : such a word or particle especially when functioning as a preposition
postpositional
ˌpōs(t)-pə-ˈzish-nəl How to pronounce postposition (audio)
-ˈzi-shə-nᵊl
adjective
postpositionally adverb

Word History

Etymology

French, from postposer to place after, from Latin postponere (perfect indicative postposui)

First Known Use

circa 1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of postposition was circa 1638

Dictionary Entries Near postposition

Cite this Entry

“Postposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postposition. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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