at · preposition /æt/Full view
at (PLACE)
A1 used to show the place or position of something
Dictionary examples:

She's at home/work.

We met at the station.

We'll meet you at the entrance.

She's sitting at the table in the corner.

She was standing at the top of the stairs.

There's someone at the door.

We spent the afternoon at a tennis match.

Learner example:

I met [her] at sewing classes. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Urdu)

at (TIME)
A1 used to show the time something happens
Dictionary examples:

There's a meeting at 2:30 this afternoon.

Are you free at lunchtime?

In theory, women can still have children at the age of 50.

I'm busy at the moment - can you call back later?

At no point did the company do anything illegal.

Learner example:

I go to work at 7:30. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

at (DIRECTION)
A1 toward or in the direction of
Dictionary examples:

She smiled at me.

They waved at us as we drove by.

"Look at me! Look at me!" called the little girl.

Learner example:

I like walk[ing] around these lakes and look[ing] at ducks and swans. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

at (E-MAIL ADDRESS)
A1 the @ symbol, used in e-mail addresses to separate the name of a person, department, etc. from the name of the company
Dictionary example:

dictionary at cambridge dot org

at (CAUSE)
A2 used to show the cause of something, especially a feeling
Dictionary examples:

We were surprised at the news.

I was quite excited at the prospect.

Why does no one ever laugh at my jokes?

Learner example:

I was very surprised at my English teacher, as she is an old lady and must be at least seventy years old. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

at least
A2 as much as, or more than, a number, amount, distance, etc.
Dictionary examples:

It will cost at least $500.

You'll have to wait at least an hour.

Learner example:

I can write at least once a week. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

at (ABILITY)
B1 used after an adjective to show a person's ability to do something
Dictionary examples:

I'm not very good at skiing.

He's very talented at math.

Learner example:

She is really good at tennis. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Turkish)

at all
B1 used for emphasis in questions or negative statements, to mean in any way or of any type
Dictionary examples:

Are you sure I can't help at all?

He hasn't changed at all.

Learner example:

The sun was shining and there were no clouds at all, so we could see the light blue sky. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

at his/its, etc. best
B1 at the highest level of achievement or quality
Dictionary example:

This article is an example of journalism at its best.

Learner example:

I enjoyed this trip because we got to stay in the countryside and [see] nature at its very best. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

at (long) last
B1 finally
Dictionary example:

At last, I've found a pair of jeans that actually fit.

Learner example:

At last, all of us agreed on "Cinema Farhang". (Preliminary English Test; B1; Farsi)

at least
B1 even if nothing else happens or is true
Dictionary example:

If you don't have time to clean the whole house, at least make sure the kitchen is clean.

Learner example:

We could go shopping or at least go and have an ice-cream somewhere. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

at least
B1 something that you say when you are telling someone about something good in a bad situation
Dictionary example:

It's a small house but at least there's a backyard.

Learner example:

It is not impressive but at least it has some things that I like. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

at first
B1 at the beginning of a situation or period of time
Dictionary example:

At first I thought she was unfriendly, but actually she's just shy.

Learner example:

At first, when I arrived I was very nervous because I didn't know anyone, but then a girl started talking to me and I felt better. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

at the same time
B1 If two things happen at the same time, they happen together.
Dictionary example:

We arrived at the same time.

Learner example:

The kind of clothes I most like [are] casual but fashionable at the same time. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

at once
B1 immediately
Dictionary example:

I knew at once that I'd like it here.

Learner example:

She called for an ambulance which came at once. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

at least
B2 used to reduce the effect of a statement
Dictionary example:

I've met the President - at least, he shook my hand once.

Learner example:

But after years of developing my slalom, I wanted to learn something new, [s]o, I started Hot-Dogging. Hot-Dog is great fun. At least, people say so. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

at (AMOUNT)
B2 used to show a price, temperature, rate, speed, etc.
Dictionary example:

He was driving at 120 mph when the police spotted him.

at all costs
B2 If something must be done at all costs, it is very important that it is done.
Dictionary example:

We have to succeed at all costs.

Learner example:

One thing was sure: he was convinced [he had] to save Anne's life at all costs. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

at sb's disposal
B2 available for you to use at any time
Dictionary example:

We will have a car at our disposal for the whole trip.

Learner example:

But on Wednesday morning I'm at your disposal. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

at fault
B2 responsible for something bad that has happened
Dictionary example:

I was the one at fault and I apologized.

Learner example:

I really felt at fault. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

at risk
B2 being in a situation where something bad is likely to happen
Dictionary examples:

All houses within 400 feet of the beach are at risk of flooding.

Releasing these prisoners puts the public at risk.

Learner example:

Lives are at risk! (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

at the expense of sth
C1 If you do one thing at the expense of another, doing the first thing harms the second thing.
Dictionary example:

He spent a lot of time at work, at the expense of his marriage.

Learner example:

Unfortunately one is usually done at the expense of the other. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

at face value
C1 If you accept something at face value because of the way it first looks or seems, you do so without thinking carefully about it.
Dictionary examples:

You can't just accept everything you read in the newspapers at face value.

These results should not be taken at face value - careful analysis is required to assess their full implications.

Learner example:

People are assessed at face value [by] the type of cars they drive. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Amharic)

at a glance
C1 If you see or understand something at a glance, you see or understand it almost immediately.
Dictionary example:

He could tell at a glance that something was wrong.

Learner example:

You could tell at a glance that Peter was a loner. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

at hand
C1 near in time or space
Dictionary example:

Teachers are always close at hand to give help to any child who needs it.

Learner example:

I haven't had any lectures in English, but now and then there are lectures in English at the University so you need to understand the spoken language with no dictionary at hand. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

at the very least
C1 not less than, and probably much more than
Dictionary examples:

At the very least, you should apologize.

We should earn $500 at the very least.

Learner example:

Thus, I trust you will agree that at the very least I deserve a letter of explanation from you and a substantial refund of my money. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Korean)

at random
C1 chosen by chance
Dictionary example:

Winners will be chosen at random.

Learner example:

The rooms suggested to be [filmed] have not been chosen at random. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

at times
C1 sometimes
Dictionary example:

At times, I wish I didn't have to go to school.

Learner example:

STUDYING METHODS All teachers at the college are high[ly] skilled professionals and can be very demanding at times, but this is [in] your best interest. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Romanian)

at first sight
C1 when you first see or hear about something or someone
Dictionary example:

It may, at first sight, seem a surprising choice.

Learner example:

I must admit that, at first sight, I did not feel like reading it, but later I made up my mind and decided to accept your invitation. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

at best
C2 used to show that the most positive way of considering something is still not good
Dictionary example:

If he drops the course now, at best he’ll get an incomplete, and he could fail.

Learner example:

Then, due to the social standards, the old find themselves being abandoned and helpless. At best, such people are hospitalized. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

at the best of times
C2 used to show that something is not good when it is the best it can be
Dictionary example:

He's not exactly patient at the best of times.

Learner example:

They knew that even at the best of times he looked unpleasant but now he was of [a] completely different [appearance]. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

at a disadvantage
C2 having problems that other people do not have
Dictionary example:

Being shy puts him at a disadvantage.

Learner example:

These children are also at a disadvantage in term[s] of education, they may not be able to go to good school, engage in extracurricular activities like sports and music which can be quite expensive if you are living on a budget. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Telugu)

at sb's expense
C2 in order to make someone look stupid
Dictionary example:

Stop making jokes at my expense.

Learner example:

But despite his intellectual superiority, Piggy was subject to derision because of his physical outward appearance and the group of boys played jokes at his expense. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

at your fingertips
C2 If you have something at your fingertips, you can get it and use it very easily.
Dictionary example:

He had all the information needed at his fingertips.

Learner example:

An Internet connection literally means having the world at your fingertips. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

at heart
C2 used to say what someone is really like
Dictionary example:

I'm just a kid at heart.

Learner example:

I also thought that she was brave at heart. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Japanese)

at issue
C2 most important in what is being discussed
Dictionary example:

The point at issue is what is best for the child.

Learner example:

I wouldn't like to fall into the trap of generalizing the matter at issue, but I believe there are two ways of traveling. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

at the latest
C2 used after a time or date to say that something could happen before but not after that time
Dictionary example:

She said to be there by 8 o'clock at the latest.

Learner example:

As far as employment is concerned, as people take their pensions at the age of 65 at the latest, new staff cannot be recruited. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

at length
C2 If you talk about something at length, you talk for a long time.
Dictionary example:

We discussed both topics at length.

Learner example:

Since we have already arranged for your family to come to stay in my home and discussed the arrangements at length and in detail, I will no longer bother you with terms of payment and other information that, judging by your letter, seems to be quite irrelevant. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

be at liberty to do sth
C2 to be allowed to do something
Dictionary example:

I'm not at liberty to discuss the matter at present.

Learner example:

On [the] one hand the child is at liberty to do whatever it pleases to do but on the other hand it was never taught the responsibilities implicit[l]y tied to such actions. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swiss German)

at a loss
C2 not knowing what to do
Dictionary example:

I'm at a loss to explain his disappearance.

Learner example:

And now I am comp[l]etely at a loss what to write next. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

at a loss for words
C2 not knowing what to say
Dictionary example:

The question was unexpected and she was temporarily at a loss for words.

Learner example:

If it was James I would be at a loss for words, I didn't know what to tell him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

be at the mercy of sb/sth
C2 to not be able to protect yourself from something or someone that you cannot control
Dictionary example:

Farmers are often at the mercy of the weather.

Learner example:

I couldn't believe I'd been careless enough to let them be at the mercy of Joanna's careless, boisterous friends, and I felt very lonely now, looking for them. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

be at odds with sb/sth
C2 to not agree with someone or something
Dictionary examples:

The two brothers were always at odds.

His remark was at odds with our report.

Learner example:

Young people are inexperienced as far as the world is concerned and thus they are frequently at odds with their family. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

be at a premium
C2 If something useful is at a premium, there is not enough of it.
Dictionary example:

Time is at a premium just before the start of exams.

Learner example:

Honesty and accuracy are very good virtues to strive [for], but having friendship [and a] fair and caring relationship to your friend or partner have to be rated at a premium as well. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

at this rate
C2 used before saying what will happen if a situation continues in the same way
Dictionary example:

At this rate we're not going to be there till midnight.

at any rate
C2 used before saying one fact that is certain in a situation that you are generally not certain about
Dictionary example:

Well, at any rate we need her to be there.

Learner example:

Nevertheless, at any rate, we would like to see a society with [a] full and strong workforce working towards stronger economic power. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

at your own risk
C2 If you do something at your own risk, you are completely responsible for anything bad that might happen because of it.
Dictionary example:

Customers may leave vehicles here at their own risk.

Learner example:

However, when a young man decides to go on a dangerous expedition, he should do so at his own risk and should not rely on help from anyone. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Arabic)

at the tender age of 8/17/25, etc.
C2 at the young age of 8/17/25, etc.
Dictionary example:

She first appeared on stage at the tender age of 12.

Learner example:

She met my father at the tender age of 14, and she soon knew that this was the man she wanted to stay with for the rest of her life. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Danish)

at one time or another
C2 used to talk about an occasion in the past without saying exactly which occasion it was
Dictionary example:

Most of us have made a similar mistake at one time or another.

Learner example:

Haven't we all at one time or another come home from a holiday feeling healthy and strong with a smile on our face thinking, this is what life is about. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

be at stake
C2 If something is at stake, it is in a situation where it might be lost or damaged.
Dictionary example:

We have to act quickly - people's lives are at stake.

Learner example:

The whole human race's future is at stake. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

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