praepositio
[prae̯.pɔˈsɪ.ti.oː]feminine
The English word "preposition" is praepositio in Latin.
In a grammatical context, praepositio is a noun referring to a type of word such as "of, from, for, by". Examples of Latin prepositions include Cum (with, together with), Ex (out of, from), Propter (because of, on account of) and Sine (without).
Meaning: grammar: a type of word like "of, from, for, by" (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word praepositio is a compound of prae (before) and positio (position/placement), meaning "placed before".
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun praepositio has the genitive singular form praepositionis, which means "of the preposition".
Did you know?
- A person placed in charge of something was called a praepositus, a word built from the same verb as praepositio.
- A word in Latin can be a praepositio in one sentence and a completely different part of speech, like an adverb, in another, depending only on what follows it.
- The Latin praepositio is a conceptual loan from the Greek word próthesis, which also means a 'setting forth' or 'arrangement'.
Examples in context
- “In“ praepositio est."In" is a preposition.This example shows how to identify the word praepositio in a sentence.Tatoeba #812063 by rado, translation #1338503 by Eldad
- Haec est longa praepositio.This is a long preposition.
- Praepositio est verbum parvum.A preposition is a small word.
Example conversation
Lucius and Lucia are studying grammar together.
- LuciusLucia, quid est haec praepositio?Lucia, what is this preposition?
- LuciaHaec praepositio significat 'ad'.This preposition means 'to'.
- LuciusGratias tibi pro auxilio.Thank you for the help.
- LuciaLibenter, Luci.You're welcome, Lucius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “preposition” translations and entries praepositio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries praepositio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
