ἀ-

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See also α-, and ά-

Contents

Ancient Greek [edit]

Alternative forms [edit]

Etymology 1 [edit]

From Proto-Indo-European *n̥-.

Prefix [edit]

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.
Descendants [edit]

Etymology 2 [edit]

Prefix [edit]

ἀ-

  1. 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.

Etymology 3 [edit]

Prefix [edit]

ἀ-

  1. The alpha intensivum, used to strengthen the force of compounds.

Etymology 4 [edit]

Prefix [edit]

ἀ-

  1. The alpha euphonicum, used to soften pronunciation before two consonants.