at in English
- At⇄At(no period),
astatine (chemical element). - AT⇄AT(no periods),
1. antitank.
2. appropriate technology.
3. Atlantic Time. - at⇄at, preposition.
1. in; on; by; near.
Ex. There is someone at the front door. She is at school.
2. in the direction of; to; toward.
Ex. to aim at the mark. Look at me. The dog ran at the cat.
3. on or near the time of.at⇄expr. at one. See under one.
at in Tamil தமிழ்
at
Part of Speech
Preposition
Pronunciation
/æt/
Definitions
- 1. (Preposition) Used to indicate a point or position in space or time.
- 2. (Preposition) Used to indicate an action or event occurring in a specific location.
- 3. (Preposition) Used to indicate a state or condition, often referring to a particular moment or level.
- 4. (Preposition) Used in expressions of direction or movement towards something.
Usage Examples
- The meeting will be held at 10 AM.
- She is sitting at the table.
- We arrived at the station just on time.
- He is good at playing chess.
Etymology
The preposition "at" comes from Old English "æt," meaning "at" or "near," which was derived from Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots. Its usage has been consistent through the centuries to indicate a specific point or location in space or time.
Synonyms
- in
- on
- by
- towards
Antonyms
- away from
- outside
- off
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | a | /a/ |
| French | à | /a/ |
| German | bei | /baɪ/ |
| Hindi | पर | /pər/ |
| Chinese | 在 | /zài/ |
| Japanese | で | /de/ |
| Russian | на | /na/ |
| Arabic | في | /fī/ |
| Portuguese | a | /a/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /æt/
- British English: /æt/
Historical Usage
The word "at" has been used in the English language since the Old English period. It was originally used to indicate a specific position or point in space, and over time its meaning extended to temporal contexts as well. Its usage has remained relatively unchanged, though the contexts in which it is applied have expanded.
Cultural Nuances
In modern English, "at" is one of the most commonly used prepositions, signifying location, time, and state. While it is universally understood, the specific applications of "at" can vary regionally, especially in idiomatic expressions. In certain cultures, "at" may be used more frequently in some contexts than in others.
More Information
The preposition "at" is essential in daily communication, serving multiple roles from indicating physical location to defining time, state, and movement. It is also frequently used in idiomatic expressions such as "at ease," "at hand," and "at the moment," making it an indispensable part of the English language. Understanding its nuances and variations is key to mastering its usage in both casual and formal contexts.