What Does "Of" Mean?
As one of the most commonly used prepositions in the English language, "of" can have a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some of the most common uses of "of" and their corresponding translations:
Indicating Possession or Relationship
One of the most common uses of "of" is to indicate possession or relationship between two things. For example:
- The cover of the book was torn. (The book's cover was torn.)
- The father of the bride gave a speech. (The bride's father gave a speech.)
Expressing Quantity or Proportion
"Of" can also be used to express quantity or proportion:
- Two-thirds of the students passed the exam. (66.6% of the students passed the exam.)
- She drank a glass of water. (She drank a certain quantity of water.)
Indicating Origin or Source
"Of" can also indicate the origin or source of something:
- The music of Mozart is timeless. (The music that was composed by Mozart.)
- The smell of fresh coffee filled the air. (The aroma that came from the fresh coffee.)
These are just a few examples of the many uses of "of" in the English language. By understanding the various contexts in which it can be used, you can better comprehend and communicate in English.