preposition
UK: /ˌprɛpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/ | US: /ˌprɛpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/
n. a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause (e.g., "in," "on," "by," "with").
The word "preposition" originates from Latin praepositio, combining prae- (before) and ponere (to place). The morpheme pre- signifies "before," reflecting how prepositions typically precede nouns or pronouns. Posit derives from ponere, meaning "to place," indicating the relational function of prepositions in positioning elements within a sentence. The suffix -ion forms a noun, denoting the concept itself. This structure vividly captures the grammatical role of prepositions as "place-before" markers in language.
The book is on the table.
She arrived before the meeting started.
They traveled through the forest.
The letter was written by her.
We sat under the tree for shade.