preposition

of

Used to express belonging, connection, contents, origin, or a part of a whole.

The roof of our house needs a few repairs.

Etymology

Old English of meant from or away from. Its relational uses developed from identifying a source or origin to marking belonging, contents, and part-to-whole connections.

More examples

  • She is a close friend of my sister.
  • He pours a cup of coffee.
  • She studies the pottery of ancient Greece.
  • I eat half of the sandwich.

Similar words

from
Marks a source or origin, not possession or contents.