Can you please explain use of words with the prefix 'a-' where there also exists the word without the 'a-', for example, afar / far, alike / like, along / long?
This prefix seems to further specify the given word, but I don't understand the system behind this. — Andreas, Germany
Answer
The prefix a- has a few different meanings.
It can mean "on," "in," or "at":
abed = in bed
ashore = at/on the shore
atop = on top
It can mean "in (such) a state or condition":
afire = in the state/condition of being (on) fire
adrift = in the state/condition of drifting
afloat = in the state/condition of floating
akin = in the state/condition of being kin
It can mean "in (such) a manner":
afar = in a far manner
aloud = in a loud manner
along = in a long manner
alike = in a like manner
It can also mean "not" or "without":
atypical = not typical
achromatic = not chromatic/without color
asymmetrical = not symmetrical
asymmetry = lack/absence of symmetry
Common prefixes (and suffixes) can be found in our dictionary with definitions and examples of use. Click here to see the entry for a-.
