par-

prefix

Compounds

In compounds

Forms

  • par-

Senses

  • combining form meaning "beside; adjacent to"; variant of para- before a vowel
  • combining form meaning “beyond, past, by”; variant of para- before a vowel
  • by extension from the above senses, this prefix came to designate objects or activities auxiliary to or derivative of that denoted by the base word, and hence abnormal or defective
  • prefix used for the naming of occupational roles considered ancillary or subsidiary to roles requiring more training, or of a higher status