HenHanna
2024-07-17 22:46:47 UTC
Do you have this a- (or something like it) in French or Latin ?
___________________________
a- in [Times they are a-changing] and a- in [afoot, abroad, alit]
------ same or different etym.?
The "a-" in "Times They Are A-Changin'" vs. "Afoot, Abroad, Alit"
The "a-" in these phrases has different etymological origins.
--- "Times They Are A-Changin'"
The "a-" in this phrase is a verbal particle, a
grammatical element that functions as a marker of the progressive
aspect. It indicates that an action is ongoing or continuous. This usage
is common in older English and dialects.
--- "Afoot, Abroad, Alit"
The "a-" in these words is a prefix, a morpheme added to
the beginning of a word to change its meaning. In these cases, it is a
remnant of the Old English preposition "on" or "in," indicating location
or direction.
So, while both use the letter "a-," they have distinct roles in the
language.
___________________________
a- in [Times they are a-changing] and a- in [afoot, abroad, alit]
------ same or different etym.?
The "a-" in "Times They Are A-Changin'" vs. "Afoot, Abroad, Alit"
The "a-" in these phrases has different etymological origins.
--- "Times They Are A-Changin'"
The "a-" in this phrase is a verbal particle, a
grammatical element that functions as a marker of the progressive
aspect. It indicates that an action is ongoing or continuous. This usage
is common in older English and dialects.
--- "Afoot, Abroad, Alit"
The "a-" in these words is a prefix, a morpheme added to
the beginning of a word to change its meaning. In these cases, it is a
remnant of the Old English preposition "on" or "in," indicating location
or direction.
So, while both use the letter "a-," they have distinct roles in the
language.