The word “along” is commonly used in the English language, but what does it actually mean? In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and various meanings of “along,” as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “along” is defined as “in a line matching the length or direction of; in company with; forward in time, place, or order.”
Origin
The word “along” is derived from the Old English word “andlang,” which means “entire length.” It has been used in the English language since at least the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the definition provided by Merriam-Webster, other dictionaries also offer their own interpretations of “along.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “in a line with, or parallel to, something; at a point on the length of something.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “moving in a constant direction on a surface or in a particular direction through the air or along a path.”
Associations
The word “along” is often associated with movement, progression, and direction. It can also imply a sense of companionship or partnership, as in the phrase “along for the ride.”
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for “along,” including alongside, beside, with, forward, ahead, and together.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “along” include opposite, against, backwards, and away.
The same root words
The word “along” shares its root word, “lang,” with other English words such as “long” and “length.”
Example Sentences
- She walked along the beach, enjoying the sound of the waves.
- The car drove along the highway, passing fields of corn and wheat.
- We walked along together, chatting and laughing.
- He ran along the track, trying to beat his personal best time.
- The river flows along the edge of the forest, providing a home for many animals.