AM

UK: æm | US: æm

Definition

  1. v. first person singular present of "be" (indicating existence, identity, or state)

Structure
a <first person singular>m <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "am" originates from Old English "eom," derived from Proto-Germanic *immi, which in turn traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁ésmi ("I am"). The contraction to "am" reflects phonetic simplification over time. The "a-" marks the first person singular, while "-m" is a vestigial verb ending preserved in English. This root is shared across Indo-European languages (e.g., Latin "sum," Sanskrit "asmi"), highlighting its ancient role in expressing existence.

Examples

  1. I am a student.

  2. Am I late for the meeting?

  3. "To be, or not to be"—I am uncertain.

  4. Where am I supposed to go?

  5. I am happy with the results.