a-, ab-, abs-

(Latin: prefix; from, away, away from)

This prefix is normally used with elements of Latin and French origins (abs- usually joins elements beginning with c, q, or t).

The form ab- is regularly used before all vowels and h; and it becomes a- before the consonants m, p, and v. The prefix apo- has similar meanings.

This list is a very small sample of the multitudes of a-, ab-, abs- prefixes that are available in dictionaries and those in this unit are only meant to present a few examples.



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ab absurdo
From the absurd.

When a person argues ab absurdo, he or she is trying to establish the validity of her or his position by pointing out the ridiculousness (absurdity) or foolishness of the opponent's arguments.

Although an argument ab absurdo "demolish" an opponent's position in debate, it does not necessarily prove the validity of that person’s position. The only thing that may be accomplished is that the ab absurdo argument may make the other person seem to be foolish or illogical.

Ab abusu ad usum non valet consequentia.
The consequences of abuse do not apply to general use.

Used by legal specialists and suggests that a right should not be withheld from people because of others who abuse it.

Ab actu ad posse valet illatio.
Inference from what has happened to what will happen is valid.
ab aeterno
Since the beginning of time.

Literally, "from eternity" or of "no date of origin".

ab agendo
1. Out of action.
2. Obsolete or retired.
Ab alio expectes, alteri quod feceris.
Expect from others what you have done to them.

Prout vultis ut faciant vobis homines, et vos facite illis similiter, "As you would that men should do to you, do you also to them in like manner." From Luke 6:31 of the Latin Vulgate, a Latin version of the Bible produced by Saint Jerome in the 4th century.

From Latin vulgata editio, "an edition made public" or "an edition for ordinary people" which is a version used by the Roman Catholic Church.

ab ante
From before or in advance.

Example: making up one’s mind ab ante.

ab antiquo
From ancient times or from olden times.

Useful for those who are always looking back to the good old days.

ab asino lanam.
Literally, "wool from an ass [donkey]".

Its more modern meaning is "Trying to get blood from a stone or a turnip" or anyone who tries to achieve the impossible is bound to fail.

ab extra; ab ex.
From the outside; from without.
ab extrinseco
From the outside.
Ab hoc et ab hac et ab illa.
From this man, this woman, and that woman.

Also translated, "From here, there, and everywhere."

The talk of gossips; such and such a person did or said this or that.

It characterizes something heard or said in general gossip with no indication of its precise source.

Ab igne ignem.
From fire, fire.

Also translated as, "As you sow, so shall you reap."

This suggests that anyone should expect to get only what he or she puts into a project or effort.

ab imo pectore
From the bottom of the breast or chest.

The equivalent of "speaking from the heart" or "sincerely". It sounds peculiar until you realize that to the Romans the breast (pectus) was the seat both of reason and of the emotions. So to speak ab imo pectore means the same thing as to "speak from the bottom of one's heart".

ab inconvenienti
From the inconvenience.

A discomfort, difficulty, or annoyance.

Used in law to state that a position is untenable because of the hardship or inconvenience (difficulty) it would create.