all-at-once
|all-at-once|
B2
/ɔːl-ət-wʌns/
simultaneous action
Etymology
Etymology Information
'all-at-once' originates from the combination of 'all,' meaning 'entirely,' and 'at once,' meaning 'simultaneously.'
Historical Evolution
The phrase 'all-at-once' evolved from the Middle English phrase 'alle at ones,' which was used to describe actions happening simultaneously.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'entirely at one time,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
simultaneously or suddenly, without any delay or gradual progression.
The lights went out all-at-once, leaving us in complete darkness.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45