ampersand - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

ampersand

|am-per-sand|

🇺🇸

/ˈæmpərˌsænd/

🇬🇧

/ˈæmpəsænd/

symbol for 'and'

Etymology

Etymology Information

'ampersand' originates from English, specifically the phrase 'and per se and', where 'per se' meant 'by itself'.

Historical Evolution

'and per se and' transformed into the English word 'ampersand' over time.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'and by itself and', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the symbol &'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the symbol '&' used to represent the word 'and'.

The company name is often written with an ampersand, like 'Smith & Co.'.

Synonyms

Examples

Last updated: 2025/07/20 18:06