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-nəl\ adjective
— prep·o·si·tion·al·ly adverb
See Examples of PREPOSITION
- The preposition “on” in “The keys are on the table” shows location.
- 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
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
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