First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
preposition
noun prep·o·si·tion \ˌpre-pə-ˈzi-shən\
grammar : a word or group of words that is used with a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object
Full 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 preposition defined for English-language learners
See preposition defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
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
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
PREPOSITION Defined for Kids
preposition
noun prep·o·si·tion \ˌpre-pə-ˈzi-shən\
Definition of PREPOSITION for Kids
: a word or group of words that combines with a noun or pronoun to form a phrase that usually acts as an adverb, adjective, or noun <“With” in “the house with the red door” is a preposition.>
Learn More About PREPOSITION
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: prepositivePrevious Word in the Dictionary: preposeAll Words Near: preposition
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up preposition? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).