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REFERENCE

at

prep. · n. · v.
  1. 1 place or location (prep.)
    A1 Beginner

    used to show a specific place or position.

    indicates a specific point in space, a location, or a position in the general vicinity of an object.

    Example

    We agreed to meet at the entrance of the cinema at seven o'clock.

    Example

    The courier left the package at the front desk because the recipient was not available to sign for it.

    Usage

    Often used for specific addresses or points, whereas 'in' is used for enclosed spaces or large areas like cities.
    Pitfall
    I am at the car.
    I am in the car.

    Use 'in' for the interior of a vehicle; use 'at' for a general location like 'at the station'.

  2. 2 time (prep.)
    A1 Beginner

    used to show a specific time of day.

    indicates a specific point or moment in time.

    Example

    The train leaves at noon, so we should arrive early.

    Example

    The ceremony is scheduled to commence at precisely 10:30 AM to ensure all speakers have sufficient time.

    Usage

    Commonly used with clock times, mealtimes, and specific holiday periods like 'at Christmas'.

    Pitfall
    I will see you at the morning.
    I will see you in the morning.

    Use 'at' for specific clock times (at 5:00) or 'at night', but use 'in' for parts of the day like 'in the morning'.

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  1. 3 direction or target (prep.)
    A2 Elementary

    used to show who or what you are looking at or aiming for.

    indicates the target or direction of an action, often implying focus or hostility.

    Example

    Stop shouting at me; I can hear you perfectly fine.

    Example

    The archer aimed at the center of the target, ignoring the distractions from the crowd.

    Usage

    Commonly follows verbs of perception or communication like 'look', 'smile', 'shout', or 'throw'.
  2. 4 rate or price (prep.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to show a price, speed, or level.

    indicates a specific value on a scale, such as cost, speed, or temperature.

    Example

    The car was traveling at 60 miles per hour on the highway.

    Example

    The stock was trading at its highest price in five years before the market closed.

    Usage

    Usually followed by a number and a unit of measurement.

  3. 5 activity or state (prep.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to show what someone is doing or their current situation.

    indicates engagement in an activity or a particular state of being.

    Example

    The two countries have been at war for several years.

    Example

    She is currently at work and cannot take personal phone calls until her break.

    Usage

    Often used in fixed phrases like 'at work', 'at play', 'at peace', or 'at rest'.

  4. 6 the @ symbol (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    the name of the symbol @ used in email addresses.

    the name of the typographical character @, primarily used in computing and email protocols.

    Example

    My email address is name at example dot com.

    Example

    The developer noted that the script failed to parse the 'at' symbol correctly in the user input field.
    • at sign
  5. 7 to mention online (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal Computing

    to send a message to someone or mention them on social media.

    to mention or address a user on a digital platform, typically by using their handle preceded by the @ symbol.

    Example

    Don't at me if you disagree with my opinion about the movie.

    Example

    The celebrity requested that fans stop at-ing her in posts related to the recent controversy.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very modern, internet-specific usage. It is often used in the phrase 'Don't @ me' to mean 'I don't want to argue about this'.
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