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-n^əl\ adjective

— prep·o·si·tion·al·ly adverb

See preposition defined for English-language learners

See preposition defined for kids

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

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

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.>