What does prepositional mean?
Prepositional is an adjective meaning “relating to a preposition” or “connected with a prepositional phrase.” In grammar, it can describe a word that behaves like a preposition, a phrase introduced by a preposition, or a construction involving one. For example, a prepositional phrase may tell us where, when, how, or to what something relates, as in “under the table,” “before sunrise,” or “with great care.” The term is especially common in grammar books, language classrooms, and linguistic analysis. It should not be confused with the noun preposition, which names an individual function word such as “at,” “of,” or “between.” Although prepositional is closely associated with phrases, it can also apply more broadly to grammatical elements that have a preposition-like function.
adjectiveRelating to a preposition or to a phrase introduced by a preposition. In grammar, it describes words, phrases, or constructions that function in the role associated with a preposition.
- Relating to or concerning a preposition.
- Describing a word, phrase, or grammatical construction that functions as or forms part of a prepositional expression.
"The sentence ends with a prepositional phrase describing the location of the book."
"The children ran toward the river, adding a vivid prepositional detail to the sentence."
"In the editor's analysis, the phrase was identified as a prepositional modifier of the noun."
Prepositional phrases can turn a simple statement into a vivid description by adding precise details about place, time, means, or manner.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of prepositional
Prepositional comes from the Latin praepositio, a noun meaning “a placing before” or “a putting before,” and its adjectival form praepositionalis. The Latin praeponere combined prae-, meaning “before,” with ponere, meaning “to place.” English borrowed the related noun preposition in the late Middle English period, and the adjective developed from that noun. The same Latin root can be seen in modern prepose, meaning “to place before.”
Related word forms
How prepositional is actually used
This is primarily a grammatical term. It is most often used in discussions of syntax, grammar, and language teaching, rather than in general conversation.
Easily confused with prepositional
A preposition is the function word itself, such as “in,” “on,” or “with,” whereas prepositional is an adjective describing that word or the phrases it introduces.