Para

[Roughquest]

Could someone enlighten me as to the meaning of the word 'para' as is 'paralegal', 'paramedic', 'paraglide'.

Thanks
RQ xx

[Clanad]

Although one source source the answer as "...The term para- in English, is an affix of ancient Greek and Latin origin, mostly used as a prefix. Its most common meaning is "similar to" or "near to."
In Greek, παρά (para) means "beside," "with," or "alongside," such as in paragraph. In Latin, para means "against," "counter," "outside," or beyond. For example, parapluie in French means "counter-rain"�an umbrella..." it's not sufficient, in my opinion, to explain the many different applications of this appellation, so to speak. There are probably not many words in English that use a prefix more commonly used than para. Parallel comes to mind as a word that uses para but defies the explanations provided as to why. This provides a thorough essay on the subject...

[bednobs]

it means beside

[bednobs]

whoops cross posted with clannad. However, in you examples, i believe that beside is the correct meaning - ie para medic - works beside medics, but is not one
para milliatary - acts like the milliatary but is not

[Peter Pedant]

beside definitely

i think it is one of the prepositions that takes two cases and has a different meaning with each case

takes two cases means
para + accusative, and para + genitive have separate meaninngs

Cheer up, apo takes all three cases, I think

[smudge]

I always write 'para' on here, 'cos it saves writing the whole word paragraph!

[Toleman]

what about paraletic?

[smudge]

Also - I always write down which tablets I've taken during the day (you never know) & write 2 x Para & Cod.

Meaning Paracetamol & Codeine!

[Aquagility]

Denoting closeness of position, correspondence of parts, situation on the other side, wrongness, irregularity, alteration etc.
Cassells Dictionary.

[221b]

Toleman, paralYtic comes from paralysis! Loss of function of nerves etc...

[Penistone]

Actually, there is moe than one answer here. In the case of "paramedic"," paralegal" etc, the answer is "beside". Where "paragliding" is concerned, "para" is short for "parachute", where "para" means "against" (against a fall). It is essentially a French word, like parapluie. This is probably the meaning in "paralysis" too. "Lysis" is Greek for "loosing". Presumably paralysis prevents (against) loosing.