prep.
Pronunciation: ə t, ' at
Function: preposition
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English æt; akin to Old High German az at, Latin ad
Date: before 12th century
1 ― used as a function word to indicate presence or occurrence in, on, or near <staying at a hotel> < at a party> <sick at heart>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate the goal of an indicated or implied action or motion <aim at the target> <creditors are at him again>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate that with which one is occupied or employed < at work> < at the controls> <good at chess>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate situation in an active or passive state or condition < at liberty> < at rest>
5 ― used as a function word to indicate the means, cause, or manner <sold at auction> <laughed at my joke> <act at your own discretion>
6 a ― used as a function word to indicate the rate, degree, or position in a scale or series <the temperature at 90> < at first> b ― used as a function word to indicate age or position in time <will retire at 65>