into
UK: ˈɪntuː | US: ˈɪntuː
prep. expressing movement or action with the result of entering or being enclosed within something
prep. indicating a change in state or form
prep. expressing division or examination in mathematics
The word "into" originates from Old English intō, a fusion of the preposition in (meaning "inside") and tō (meaning "toward"). This compound structure has retained its core spatial and metaphorical functions over time, evolving to describe both physical movement (e.g., "step into a room") and abstract transitions (e.g., "translate into French"). The morphemes remain transparent in modern English, reflecting the word’s directional logic.
She walked into the room quietly.
The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.
Divide 12 into 3 equal parts.
His laughter turned into tears.
Translate this paragraph into Spanish.