ἀ-

See also α-, and ά-

Ancient Greek

Alternative forms

• ἀν- (Used before vowels)

Etymology

From Proto-Indo-European *n̥-.

Prefix

ἀ-

1. The alpha privativum, used to make words that have a sense opposite to the word (or stem) to which the prefix is attached. It is also known as privative a and alpha privative.
2. The alpha copulativum, used to express unity; e.g. in α- δελφός "brother" literally "from the same womb". Also known as copulative a and a athroistikon.
3. The alpha intensivum, used to strengthen the force of compounds.
4. The alpha euphonicum, used to soften pronunciation before two consonants.

Descendants

• α- (a-)
• ά- (á-)
• αν- (an-)