The phrase “at all” is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to emphasize a point or to indicate the absence of something. Despite its widespread use, many people may not be aware of the exact definition and origin of the phrase. In this article, we will explore the meaning and various associations of “at all.”
Definitions
“At all” is an idiomatic expression that typically means “in any way” or “to any extent.” It is often used in negative sentences to indicate the complete absence of something. For example, “I don’t like spicy food at all” means that the speaker does not like spicy food in any way or to any extent.
Another definition of “at all” is “in the least degree.” This meaning is often used to emphasize a point or to express surprise. For example, “I’m not tired at all” means that the speaker is not tired in the least degree, and “I didn’t expect to see you here at all” expresses surprise at the unexpected encounter.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “at all” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 16th century. It is thought to be a contraction of the phrase “for all,” which was commonly used in Middle English to mean “in every respect” or “completely.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of “at all” is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “in any way or to any extent,” while Merriam-Webster defines it as “in any way or respect.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “in any way or to any degree,” and Collins Dictionary defines it as “in any way or to any extent.”
Associations
“At all” is often associated with negation and emphasis. It is commonly used in negative sentences to indicate the absence of something, as in “I don’t like spicy food at all.” It is also used to emphasize a point, as in “I’m not tired at all.”
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “at all” include “in any way,” “to any extent,” “in the least,” “completely,” and “totally.”
Antonyms
Antonyms of “at all” include “in some way,” “to some extent,” “somewhat,” and “partially.”
The same root words
“At all” does not have any root words, as it is an idiomatic expression.
Example Sentences
- I didn’t expect to see you here at all.
- He didn’t apologize at all.
- She didn’t understand the instructions at all.