para Definition
- 1a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, most often attached to verbs and verbal derivatives, with the meanings “at or to one side of, beside, side by side” (parabola; paragraph; parallel; paralysis)
- 2beyond, past, by (paradox; paragogue); subsidiary to a main or greater thing (parody); assisting, auxiliary, subsidiary (paramilitary).
Using para: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "para" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The paramedic arrived at the scene quickly.
Example
The paradox was difficult to understand.
Example
The company hired a paramilitary group for security.
Example
The paragraph was well-written and organized.
Origins of para
from Greek 'para', meaning 'beside, alongside, against, contrary to'
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Summary: para in Brief
The prefix 'para' [ˈpærə] is used in English to indicate a position or relationship to something else. It can mean 'at or to one side of, beside, side by side', as in 'parabola' or 'parallel', or 'beyond, past, by', as in 'paradox'. It can also indicate something that is subsidiary or assisting, as in 'paramilitary'.
