Definition of AND (original) (raw)

1

—used as a function word to indicate connection or addition especially of items within the same class or type —used to join sentence elements of the same grammatical rank or function

2

a

—used as a function word to express logical modification, consequence, antithesis, or supplementary explanation

b

—used as a function word to join one finite verb (such as go, come, try) to another so that together they are logically equivalent to an infinitive of purpose

come and see me

4

—used in logic to form a conjunction

Usage of and

Well-written English sentences have begun with and since the language's earliest documentation. Though there are times when it would be ill-advised to begin a sentence with the word, there are also times when it is perfectly appropriate.

Word History

Etymology

Conjunction

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German unti and

First Known Use

Conjunction

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of and was before the 12th century