at
/æt/ preposition A1- In, near, or in the general vicinity of (a particular place). · Caesar was at Rome.· A climate treaty was signed at Kyoto in 1997.
- Attending (an educational institution). · She's at Oxford University, studying chemistry.
- Working for (a company) or in (a place or situation). · He used to be at Lehman Brothers. Now he's at Merrill Lynch.· 'Where does he work?' — 'I think he's still at the solicitors.'
- Indicating distance or direction relative to the speaker. · Target at five miles. Prepare torpedoes.· Look out! UFO at two o'clock!
- Present or taking place during (an event). · Was he at the meeting?· There was a big fight at the class reunion.
- Indicating time of occurrence, especially an instant of time, or a period of time relatively short in context or from the speaker’s perspective. · at six o’clock; at dawn; at closing time; at the age of twelve; at night; at the moment
- In the direction of; towards; (often implied to be in a hostile or careless manner). · Don’t just talk at someone; really listen to what they have to say.· Stones were thrown at us, but we couldn't see who did.
- Indicating action bearing upon something, especially continued or repeated action. · Don't pick at your food!· My cat keeps scratching at the furniture.
From the library
When we got into the train at Charlottetown and the red roads began to flash past I asked Mrs.
The young sailor jumped into the skiff, and sat down in the stern sheets, with the order that he be put ashore at La Canebière.
The shipowner, smiling, followed him with his eyes until he saw him spring out on the quay and disappear in the midst of the throng, which from five o’clock in the morning until nine o’clock at night, swarms in the famous street of La Canebière,—a street of which the modern Phocéens are so proud that they say with all the gravity in the world, and with that accent which gives so much character to what is said, “If Paris had La Canebière, Paris would be a second Marseilles.” On turning round the owner saw Danglars behind him, apparently awaiting orders, but in reality also watching the young sailor,—but there was a great difference in the expression of the two men who thus followed the movements of Edmond Dantès.
“If I were sole owner we’d shake hands on it now, my dear Dantès, and call it settled; but I have a partner, and you know the Italian proverb—Chi ha compagno ha padrone—‘He who has a partner has a master.’ But the thing is at least half done, as you have one out of two votes.
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