Want to say an differently? Here are other words for an and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of an
The primary meaning of the word "an" is used to indicate that the noun it precedes is singular and begins with a vowel sound.
Etymology of an
The word "an" originates from Old English "an", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "ainaz", also meaning "one"
Historically, "an" was used before nouns starting with any vowel sound, including sometimes "y" and "u" when they were considered vowels
The modern usage of "an" is more standardized, typically used before nouns starting with vowel sounds /æ/, /ɑː/, /e/, /i/, /ɔː/, and /uː/
Synonyms
a
one
single
sole
unique
individual
solitary
lone
only
exclusive
particular
special
distinct
separate
discrete
unitary
unified
singular
odd
unusual
rare
peculiar
exceptional
extraordinary
uncommon
lone
isolated
distinct
specific
certain
special
one-off
solitary
exclusive
restricted
limited
sole
separate
individualistic
personal
private
alone
ones
any
all
each
every
certain
determinate
express
specific
particularized
specified
Definitions
- Used, before a noun starting with a vowel sound, to indicate that the noun is singular
- Used to indicate a nonspecific person or thing
- Used to indicate a person or thing previously mentioned or easily identified
Usage Examples
- An apple a day keeps the doctor away
- I'm reading an interesting book
- She ate an entire pizza by herself
- He's an excellent musician
- An hour later, we arrived at the destination