■ preposition
1》 accompanied by.
↘in the same direction as.
2》 possessing; having.
3》 indicating the instrument used to perform an action or the material used for a purpose.
4》 in opposition to.
5》 indicating the manner or attitude in which a person does something.
6》 indicating responsibility.
7》 in relation to.
8》 employed by.
↘using the services of.
9》 affected by (a particular fact or condition).
↘indicating the cause of an action or condition.
10》 indicating separation or removal from something.
Phrases
away (or off or out etc.) ~! take or send away, in, out, etc.
be ~ someone [often ~ negative ] informal follow someone's meaning.
~ it informal
1》 up to date or fashionable.
2》 [usu. ~ negative ] alert and comprehending.
3》 in addition.
~ that at that point.
Origin
OE, prob. a shortening of a Gmc preposition related to obs. Engl. ~er 'adverse, opposite'.