ad- +
(Latin: to, a direction toward, addition to, near; at; used as a prefix)
The Latin element ad carries the idea of "in the direction of" and combines with many Latin words and roots to make common English words.
The form ad- appears in this form before a vowel and before the consonants d, h, j, m, and v. It is simplified to a- before sc, sp and st.
Before c, f, g, l, n, p, q, r, s, and t; ad- is changed to ac-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, ap-, aq-, ar-, as-, and at-.
In other words, the d of ad usually changes into the same letter as the first letter of the following root or word when it is a consonant: ad-fix becomes affix, and ad-sign becomes assign; therefore, making a double consonant.
Another example includes: attract as with ad-tract (drawn towards); so it has a double t. On the other hand when ad- precedes a vowel, as with adapt, it is simply ad-apt, with one d. For the same reason, there is only one d in adore and adumbrate, because ad- has combined with orare and umbra each of which starts with a vowel.
So, remember: since these Latin words begin with vowels and not consonants, the d of ad does not double as shown in the previous examples.
Abiit ad majores.
He has gone to his forefathers.
He’s dead.
ab ovo usque ad mala
From the egg to the apples.
A Roman phrase similar to English, “from soup to nuts”; but it means “from start to finish”. This meaning is based on the fact that Roman dinners often began with eggs and ended with fruit.
From the beginning to the end of any enterprise; thoroughly or without qualification.
ab uno ad omnes
From one to all
a capite ad calcem
From head to heel; thoroughly.
Equivalent to “from top to bottom”.
accede (ahk SEED)
To comply with; consent to, approve; concede, yield to, acquiesce; to agree with, surrender to, comply with, conform to: "The mayor acceded to the citizens’ demands."
ad, add
ad (AD)
Short for advertisement: "He placed an ad in the paper."
add (AD)
1. To find the sum of numbers or quantities: "They tried to add the total number of people."
2. To go on to say or to write more: "She said good-by and wanted to add that she had a pleasant visit."
3. To join one thing to another so as to increase the number, quantity, or the importance of something: "They decided to add a new wing to the house."
ad absurdum
To what is absurd; to absurdity.
A reference to an argument demonstrating the absurdity or ridiculousness of an opponent's proposition.
adage
1. A traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; a proverb.
2. A saying that sets forth a general truth and that has gained credit through long use.
Formed by ad plus age, "to say".
ad annum
Up to the year.
Used to indicate a specific year date.
adapt
1. To undergo modification so as to fit new circumstances or situations.
2. Etymology: from Latin adaptare, "to adjust" from ad-, "to" plus aptare, "to join" from aptus, "fitted".
ad arbitrium
At will; at pleasure.
As one pleases or anything done of one's own will.
ad astra
To the stars.
Ad astra per aspera.
"To the stars through difficulties" or "To the stars in spite of difficulties."
The motto of the state of Kansas, USA and Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina, USA.
This motto suggests that we achieve great things only by encountering and overcoming adversities; it will be rough going, but we will make it.
ad augusta per angust
To honors through difficulties.
Augusta refers to holy places, angusta to narrow spaces; therefore, sometimes we can not achieve great results without suffering by squeezing through narrow spaces.
adaxial
Nearest to or facing toward the axis of an organ or organism: "The upper side of a leaf is known as the adaxial surface."
Abaxial describes a plant part which is on the side or surface of an organ, facing away from the axis.
Subscribe to this FREE Focusing on Words Newsletter