with
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɪð/
US
- /ˈwɪð/
- /ˈwɪθ/
- /wɪð/
- /wɪθ/
Description
- together
- possessing
- using
- experiencing
The little word "with" seems simple, but it does many jobs. It can mean being accompanied by someone or something, like walking with a friend. It also shows that someone or something has a feature, as in a girl with blue eyes. It can show the thing used to do something, like writing with a pen or cutting with a knife. It can also describe dealing with or experiencing something, such as struggling with a difficult problem. Think of it as a small link that connects people, things, and ideas.
Imagine a knight riding with his loyal steed or a student working with great focus. "With" appears everywhere, quietly linking our world together. You might even say you're dealing with a tricky vocabulary word right now!
The seemingly unassuming word "with" is a powerful little connector, weaving its way into countless sentences and situations. At its core, "with" indicates accompaniment or association—the presence of one thing alongside another. Think of a traveler journeying with a map, a painter working with brushes and paints, or a musician performing with an orchestra. It establishes that something isn't alone; it has company.
But "with" does more than just show togetherness. It can also indicate possession or a characteristic—"a house with a red door," or "a woman with incredible strength." In these cases, "with" describes an attribute belonging to the subject.
Furthermore, "with" often signals what someone uses, feels, or deals with. We might write with a pen, open a box with a key, cope with stress, or struggle with a task. You can be filled with joy, burdened with sorrow, or faced with a difficult decision. In these cases, "with" helps show the means, condition, or experience connected to the action.
Interestingly, "with" also plays a role in expressing agreement or opposition—"I agree with your plan," or "He argued with his brother." It shows alignment or conflict between ideas and individuals.
From simple companionship to complex experiences, from describing characteristics to indicating agreement, the word "with" is a fundamental building block of language, subtly but powerfully connecting us to the world around us. It's a testament to how even the smallest words can hold immense meaning and versatility.
Examples
- 1
Accompaniment
She came to the party with her sister.
- 2
Tool
I cut the paper with scissors.
- 3
Drink order
I'd like tea with lemon, please.
- 4
Identifying person
The woman with the red umbrella is my neighbor.
- 5
Speaking
We spoke with the manager after lunch.
- 6
Living arrangement
Are you still living with your parents?
- 7
Problem source
What's wrong with the printer?
- 8
Compatibility
This app works with both Windows and Mac.
Pattern
work with + device/system
be compatible with it
- 9
Handling problems
I can't deal with that noise right now.
Pattern
deal with + problem/situation
handle it
- 10
Social skill
She's very good with children.
Pattern
good with + person/thing
able to handle them well
- 11
Understanding
Are you with me so far?
Phrase
with me
following what I mean
- 12
Reason
With all this traffic, we should leave early.
Pattern
with + situation
because that situation exists
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- withpreposition