para-
|pa-ra-|
/ˈpærə/
beside; beyond; abnormal/protect
Etymology
'para-' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'παρά' ('para'), where 'para-' meant 'beside, alongside, near'.
'para-' was used in Ancient Greek as 'παρά', passed into Late Latin and New Latin in learned and scientific compounds, and entered English through Modern Latin/French coinages and scientific formation from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Initially it meant 'beside, alongside'; over time it broadened into senses such as 'at or near', 'beyond' and 'contrary/abnormal', and in some formations it acquired a 'warding off/protecting' sense through influence from Latin 'parare' ('to prepare/ward off').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Particle 1
prefix meaning 'beside, alongside, at the side of; near' used to form compounds indicating proximity or accompaniment (e.g., paramedic, paralegal, parallel).
A paramedic arrived quickly to provide emergency care at the scene.
Synonyms
Particle 2
prefix meaning 'contrary to, against; beyond or not' used in compounds expressing opposition, contradiction, or deviation from the norm (e.g., paradox, paranormal).
The hypothesis led to a paradox that the researchers could not easily resolve.
Particle 3
in some words (via Latin Romance influence) a sense of 'to ward off, to protect from' as in 'parasol' (something that shields from the sun).
She carried a parasol to protect herself from the hot sun.
Last updated: 2025/12/04 06:01