at

/æt, ət/

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The word "at" is a preposition in English, which means it is used to show the relationship between different parts of a sentence. Let's break down its usage and meanings.

Basic Meaning:

1. Location: "At" is commonly used to describe a specific place or position.

   • Example: "I am at the library." (This means you are inside or near the library.)

2. Time: "At" is also used to specify a particular time.

   • Example: "We will meet at 3 PM." (This means the meeting is scheduled for 3 o'clock.)

Usage Instructions:

• Use "at" when you want to mention a specific point in space or time.
• Remember that "at" is often used with addresses (e.g., "at 123 Main Street") and times (e.g., "at noon").

Advanced Usage:

• Activities or Events: "At" can also be used to refer to an event or activity.

  • Example: "She is good at playing the piano." (This indicates her skill in piano playing.)

• Certain Expressions: "At risk," "at peace," "at odds," etc., show how "at" can create phrases with special meanings.

Word Variants:

• "At" doesn't have direct variants, but it can combine with other words to form phrases.

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "at" can imply a state of being, such as "at home" or "at work."
• It can also indicate a target, as in "at target" in a shooting context.

Synonyms:

• "In," "on," and "to" can sometimes be used in similar contexts, but they have different meanings, so be careful when substituting them.

Idioms:

1. At a loss: This means to be confused or unsure about what to do.

   • Example: "I was at a loss for words."

2. At heart: This means fundamentally or in one's true nature.

   • Example: "He is, at heart, a kind person."

Phrasal Verbs:

While "at" is not typically part of phrasal verbs, it can appear in phrases: - Look at: To direct your gaze toward something. - Example: "Look at that beautiful painting!"

Summary:

The preposition "at" is an essential word in English that helps specify locations, times, and states.

Academic

Noun

1. 100 at equal 1 kip in Laos
2. a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium

Synonyms

• astatine
• At
• atomic number 85