with
Definition
Preposition: "with" is a function word used to indicate a relationship of accompaniment, association, instrument, manner, cause, or opposition between two entities.
- Accompaniment: in the company of; together with.
- Instrument: by means of; using.
- Manner: in a particular way or state.
- Cause: because of; due to.
- Association: in relation to; concerning.
- Opposition: against; in spite of.
Usage Examples
- Accompaniment: (She was in the company of her brother.)
- Instrument: (He used a knife as a tool.)
- Manner: (She spoke in an enthusiastic manner.)
- Cause: (He trembled because of fear.)
- Association: (I share your opinion.)
- Opposition: (Despite all his faults.)
Advanced Usage
"with that": immediately after that; as a result.
- He finished his speech, and with that, the meeting ended. (Immediately after the speech, the meeting concluded.)
"to be with someone": to understand or support someone.
- Are you with me on this plan? (Do you understand and support my plan?)
"away with": used to express a desire for something to be removed.
- Away with all excuses! (Remove all excuses!)
Variants and Related Words
Within (preposition): inside; not beyond.
- Stay within the boundaries. (Remain inside the limits.)
Without (preposition): not having; lacking.
- He left without his wallet. (He left lacking his wallet.)
Synonyms
Accompanied by: in the company of.
- She arrived accompanied by her friend. (She arrived with her friend.)
Using: by means of.
- He wrote using a pen. (He wrote with a pen.)
Phrasal Verbs
Deal with: to handle or manage.
- I need to deal with this problem. (I need to handle this issue.)
Go with: to accompany or match.
- This tie goes with your shirt. (This tie matches your shirt.)
Related Idioms
With flying colours: with great success.
- She passed the exam with flying colours. (She passed the exam very successfully.)
With a grain of salt: with scepticism; not taking something literally.
- Take his advice with a grain of salt. (Do not fully trust his advice.)