Para Means Beside, Beyond and Against
Para is a paratrooper or a paragraph. The prefix behind it carries several senses at once.
Para is short for paratrooper, paragraph, paramedic or paralegal, depending on context. The Greek prefix *para-* it comes from means beside, and from that grew three related senses: alongside (*parallel*, *paralegal*), beyond or altered (*paranormal*, *paradox*), and protective, through French, in a different *para-* meaning to shield (*parachute*, *parasol*, *parapet*). That last group is Italian *parare*, to ward off, and only looks like the Greek one.
- A paratrooper. *The paras.*
- A paragraph. *See para 3.*
- A paramedic. *A para.*
- Beside. *Parallel.*
- Greek — *para*, beside. *The prefix.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | para | A para. |
| Prefix | para- | Paranormal. |
| Full form | paratrooper | A paratrooper. |
| Full form | paragraph | A paragraph. |
| Greek | para | Beside. |
- The paras jumped at dawn.Military.
- See para four.Document.
- Para means beside.Etymology.
Two different para- prefixes
- Greek para-, beside: parallel, paragraph, paramedic
- Greek para-, beyond: paranormal, paradox, paranoia
- Italian parare, to ward off: parachute, parasol, parapet
- Parachute literally means to ward off a fall
- Parasol means to ward off the sun
Greek *para*, beside or beyond. The protective prefix is from Italian *parare*, to ward off.
Is parachute from the same para as paragraph?
No. Parachute uses an Italian element meaning to ward off, so it literally means fall-guard.
What does para mean on its own?
It depends on context: a paratrooper, a paragraph, a paramedic or a paralegal.