Away

Part of Speech

Adverb, Adjective, Preposition

Pronunciation

/əˈweɪ/

Definitions

• Adverb: To or at a distance from a particular place, position, or situation.
• Adverb: So as to be removed or not present, often used to indicate absence or departure.
• Adjective: Denoting a state of being absent or removed from a place.
• Preposition: In the direction of; towards a destination or away from a starting point.

Usage Examples

• He walked away from the scene of the accident.
• The kids are away at summer camp.
• The car sped away into the distance.
• She was away for the weekend.

Etymology

The word "away" originates from the Old English "on weg," meaning "on the way," which has evolved into a more general term referring to a state of being removed, absent, or at a distance. The word “weg” in Old English was used to describe a road or path, which later became associated with movement away from a place or position.

Synonyms

• Absent
• Gone
• Elsewhere
• Far
• Removed
• Out
• Off

Antonyms

• Here
• Present
• Nearby
• Close
• At hand
• Approaching

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the pronunciation is commonly /əˈweɪ/, with a clear "ay" sound at the end.
• In British English, the pronunciation is slightly more clipped, /əˈweɪ/, with a softer “w” sound.
• In Australian English, the pronunciation tends to lengthen the "a," sounding like /əˈweɪ/ with more emphasis on the vowel sound.

Historical Usage

The term "away" has been used since the Old English period and has evolved from the phrase "on weg" (on the way) to its modern usage indicating movement or absence. Historically, it was primarily used in contexts relating to physical departure or distance but has since been extended to cover abstract concepts like emotional or mental distance. In literature, "away" is often used to describe the state of being removed, either literally or figuratively, from one’s surroundings or state of mind.

Cultural Nuances

The word "away" is often associated with the concept of travel or absence, both physically and emotionally. In many cultures, going "away" can be symbolic of change or a journey toward self-discovery. It’s frequently used in idiomatic expressions such as “away from home” or “far away,” often carrying connotations of adventure or separation. In some cultures, being away from one’s community or family may also imply a sense of loss or longing.

More Information

The word "away" is versatile and often used to describe both literal and figurative movement from a place, as well as emotional or psychological distances. It is used to describe not only physical absence but also states of removal, such as being away from responsibilities or personal situations. As one of the most frequently used adverbs in English, it serves an essential role in expressing spatial and temporal dynamics, providing a sense of movement or transition.