away
UK[əˈweɪ]US[əˈweɪ]
adv
to or at a distance from a particular place, person, or thing
adv
into a place where it cannot be seen or found
adv
used to show that something is removed
adv
continuously or repeatedly, often in a way that is annoying
adv
until it disappears or is all used
adj
(of a sports game) played at the opponent's ground
Etymology
The word 'away' originates from Old English 'aweg', a contraction of the phrase 'on weg', literally meaning "on one's way, forth, from this (or that) place." The core components are the preposition 'on' and the noun 'weg' (way, road), which itself descends from the Proto-Germanic 'wegaz' and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root 'wegh-', meaning "to go, move, transport." This etymological journey illustrates a concrete spatial concept—movement along a path—evolving into a versatile adverb expressing separation, distance, disappearance, and continuous action. The logic is clear: to be "on way" is to be in a state of departing or being at a distance from a reference point.
Analysis
The word 'away' is a simplex form derived from Old English. It is a fusion of the preposition 'on' and the noun 'weg' (way, path, journey). The functional role is adverbial, indicating direction or state relative to a path or point of origin.
Examples
He walked away without saying a word.
Please put your toys away before dinner.
The team has three away games this month.