from

preposition

ˈfrəm 

ˈfräm,

 also  fəm

1

a

—used as a function word to indicate a starting point of a physical movement or a starting point in measuring or reckoning or in a statement of limits

came here from the city

a week from today

cost from $5 to $10

b

—used as a function word to indicate the starting or focal point of an activity

called me from a pay phone

ran a business from her home

2

—used as a function word to indicate physical separation or an act or condition of removal, abstention, exclusion, release, subtraction, or differentiation

protection from the sun

relief from anxiety

3

—used as a function word to indicate the source, cause, agent, or basis

we conclude from this

a call from my lawyer

inherited a love of music from his father

worked hard from necessity

Examples of from in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our office is just 1,000 feet from Howelsen Hill Ski Area and its summer trail network, half a mile from the Spring Creek Trailhead, which connects to the Continental Divide, and only three miles from the Steamboat Springs Ski Resort. —Nick Davidson, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024

But the Mustangs responded with a scoring drive that ended with Andrews plunging into the end zone from 1 yard out with 3:39 left to put the game away for good. —Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 17 Nov. 2024

Consumer reports about unwanted telemarketing calls are down by more than half since 2021, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). —Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 17 Nov. 2024

Whereas some adaptations place Scrooge firmly at the center of your focus, this one emphasizes the rewards of being part of a community, ranging from warm celebrations full of dancing, food and games to something as simple as a nod and smile to a stranger on the street. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English from, fram; akin to Old High German fram, adverb, forth, away, Old English faran to go — more at fare

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

from

preposition

(ˈ)frəm 

ˈfräm

1

—used to show a starting or central point

came here from the city

a letter from home

ran a business from home

2

—used to show removal or separation

the dictator fell from power

subtract 3 from 9

far from safe

3

—used to show a material, source, or cause

a doll made from rags

reading aloud from a book

suffering from a cold