de

de · preposition

imported

Definitions

preposition

  1. 1.

    A particle used in names of French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Dutch origin, meaning "of" or "from," often indicating nobility or place of origin.

  2. 2.

    Used in English to preserve foreign names and titles.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    de facto — in fact, whether by right or not
  • •
    de jure — by right, according to law
  • •
    de rigueur — required by etiquette or fashion
  • •
    crème de la crème — the best of the best

Related words

See also: from, of, van, von
Synonyms: from, of

Etymology

From French de meaning "of, from," from Latin de meaning "down from, away from, concerning." Common in Romance languages as a nobiliary particle indicating place of origin or family lineage. In Spanish and Portuguese, it often contracts with articles (del, da, do).