Conclusion
“At someone’s disposal” is a common phrase that is used to indicate that something is available for someone to use or have. The phrase is often used in a professional context, but it can also be used in everyday conversation. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of this phrase, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The phrase “at someone’s disposal” means that something is available for someone to use or have. This can refer to physical objects, such as tools or resources, as well as intangible things, such as time or knowledge. When something is at someone’s disposal, it means that they have the power to use it as they see fit.
Origin
The phrase “at someone’s disposal” has been in use for centuries. Its origin can be traced back to the Latin word “disponere,” which means “to arrange.” The word “dispose” comes from the same root word and has a similar meaning. Over time, the phrase “at someone’s disposal” came to mean that something was available for someone to use or have.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “at someone’s disposal” is defined in various dictionaries. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase means “available for someone to use as they wish.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “available for use or at the service of someone.” Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “available for someone to use whenever they want or need to.”
Associations
The phrase “at someone’s disposal” is often associated with power and control. When something is at someone’s disposal, it means that they have the power to use it as they see fit. This can be seen in a professional context, where a boss might have resources at their disposal that their employees do not. However, the phrase can also be used in a more positive context, such as when someone offers their time or knowledge to a friend.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for the phrase “at someone’s disposal.” Some of these include “available,” “accessible,” “at hand,” “open,” and “ready.” These words all convey the idea that something is available for someone to use or have.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “at someone’s disposal” include “unavailable,” “inaccessible,” “unattainable,” and “unobtainable.” These words convey the opposite meaning, indicating that something is not available for use or possession.
The same root words
The phrase “at someone’s disposal” shares a root word with the word “dispose.” This word can have multiple meanings, including “to get rid of,” “to arrange,” or “to manage.” However, the meaning of “to arrange” is the most relevant to the phrase “at someone’s disposal.”
Example Sentences
- The company has a large budget at its disposal.
- I have a lot of free time at my disposal this weekend.
- The resources that the government has at its disposal are limited.
- The chef had a variety of ingredients at his disposal to create the perfect dish.
- The team had a talented player at their disposal who could turn the game around.
The phrase “at someone’s disposal” is a common expression that indicates that something is available for use or possession. Its origin can be traced back to the Latin word “disponere,” which means “to arrange.” The phrase is often associated with power and control, but it can also be used in a more positive context. Synonyms for the phrase include “available” and “accessible,” while antonyms include “unavailable” and “inaccessible.” The phrase shares a root word with the word “dispose,” which means “to arrange.”