/ wɪð; NAmE ; wɪθ/ preposition
HELP NOTE : For the special uses of with in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example bear with sb/sth is in the phrasal verb section at bear .
1.
in the company or presence of sb/sth :
She lives with her parents.
I have a client with me right now.
a nice steak with a bottle of red wine
2.
having or carrying sth :
a girl with (= who has) red hair
a jacket with a hood
He looked at her with a hurt expression.
They're both in bed with flu.
a man with a suitcase
3.
using sth :
Cut it with a knife.
It is treated with acid before being analysed.
4.
used to say what fills, covers, etc. sth :
The bag was stuffed with dirty clothes.
Sprinkle the dish with salt.
5.
in opposition to sb/sth; against sb/sth :
to fight with sb
to play tennis with sb
at war with a neighbouring country
I had an argument with my boss.
6.
concerning; in the case of :
Be careful with the glasses.
Are you pleased with the result?
Don't be angry with her.
With these students it's pronunciation that's the problem.
7.
used when considering one fact in relation to another :
She won't be able to help us with all the family commitments she has.
It's much easier compared with last time.
8.
including :
The meal with wine came to $20 each.
With all the lesson preparation I have to do I work 12 hours a day.
9.
used to show the way in which sb does sth :
He behaved with great dignity.
She sleeps with the window open.
Don't stand with your hands in your pockets.
10.
because of; as a result of :
She blushed with embarrassment.
His fingers were numb with cold.
11.
because of sth and as it happens :
The shadows lengthened with the approach of sunset.
Skill comes with practice.
12.
in the same direction as sth :
Marine mammals generally swim with the current.
13.
used to show who has possession of or responsibility for sth :
The keys are with reception.
Leave it with me.
14.
employed by; using the services of :
She acted with a touring company for three years.
I bank with the HSBC.
15.
showing separation from sth/sb :
I could never part with this ring.
Can we dispense with the formalities?
16.
despite sth :
With all her faults I still love her.
17.
used in exclamations :
Off to bed with you!
Down with school!
•
IDIOMS
- be with me / you
- be with sb (on sth)
- with it
- with that
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English , probably a shortening of a Germanic preposition related to obsolete English wither adverse, opposite .