The prefix a‑ has several meanings.
Meaning 1: of
- The court ruled that the statements were akin to hate literature.
Meaning 2: gives emphasis to verbs of motion
- Arise!
Meaning 3: in the process of, in the act of
- A-hunting we will go!
Meaning 4: in a particular state
- Her face was aglow with happiness.
Meaning 5: completely, utterly
- I was a little abashed when I met her for the first time.
Meaning 6: on, in, into
- All aboard!
Meaning 7: in the direction of, toward
- The captain went ashore.
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