A Cognitive Linguistic Study of the English Preposition at

This study aims to present a unified account of the semantic variation of the English preposition at by distinguishing two basic concepts: a locative sense and an orientational sense. It argues that at is characterized by a distal viewpoint from which the Landmark (Lm) is construed as a dimensionless point on a mental map. The locative sense captures a spatial configuration in which the Trajector (Tr) is located at a specific point-like Lm, providing the basis for a range of non-spatial metaphorical extensions. Moreover, the inherent vagueness of such point-like Lms invites context-dependent metonymic interpretations. Meanwhile, the orientational sense is grounded in a schema in which the Lm is construed as a focused target, without entailing motion or attainment. This schema motivates extensions involving perceptual focus, immediate or momentary reaction, hostile stance, attack, and attempted action, highlighting intentionality rather than resultativity of an action. This study demonstrates that these two core concepts, integrated with metaphor and metonymy, provide a systematic account of at’s extended meanings.