Sym-
/sɪm-/noun
A combining form meaning “together,” “with,” or “共同,” often changing to syn-, syl-, or sys- according to the following sound.
Did you know?In the Greek word σύμβολον (symbolon), sym- means “together,” referring to two matching pieces brought together as proof of identity or trust.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sem-
“One; together; united”
Proto-Greek
Proto-Greek
*sun
“Together; with”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σύν (sýn)
“With; together; jointly”
Classical Greek
Greek
συμ- (sym-)
“Assimilated form of σύν before sounds such as b, p, or m”
Classical Latin
Latin
syn- / sym-
“A Greek-derived prefix meaning together or with”
Modern English
English
sym-
“A learned combining form meaning together, with, or jointly”