preposition
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌprɛpəˈzɪʃən/
KK: /prɛpəˈzɪʃən/
noun
Definition
A type of word that usually comes before a noun to show how that noun relates to other words in a sentence.
Example
In the sentence 'The book is on the table', the word 'on' is a preposition.
Conversation
I always get confused by that preposition in English.
Which one are you talking about?
The one that comes before the noun; it’s tricky sometimes.
Yeah, prepositions can be really confusing!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
connector
link
particle
Antonyms
detachment
separation
division
transitive verb
Definition
To place something in a specific position ahead of time, often for military or strategic purposes.
Example
The troops were prepositioned near the border to prepare for the operation.
Tense Forms
Past: prepositioned
Past Participle: prepositioned
Conversation
Did you hear about the military operation happening next week?
Yeah, they need to preposition their forces before the event starts.
That makes sense; they want to be ready in case anything happens.
Root Explanation
Preposition is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "ponere" (meaning to place). It refers to a word that is placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relationship to another word in the sentence.
Memory Tip
Think of a word that is 'placed before' ('pre-') a noun to show how it relates to other words.
Visually Confused Words
reposition
preopposition
preimposition
proposition
presupposition
predisposition
precomposition
reopposition