at one

/ət wʌn/
phraseIntermediate
What It Really Means
To be in agreement or harmony with someone or something.
Literal Meaning
To be in a state of unity or oneness.
Literal Breakdown
atin a state of+oneunity or singularity
Mental Image
The mental picture of being in a state of unity or agreement, often visualized as a group of people or things coming together.
When to Use
A team of colleagues discussing a project and realizing they are all in agreement about the approach.
Cultural Note
This phrase is more commonly used in British English and can sometimes be replaced with 'in agreement' or 'on the same page' in American English.
informal

To be in agreement or harmony with someone or something; to be on the same page.

After the meeting, we were all at one about the new strategy.

After the meeting, we were all in agreement about the new strategy.

💡

This phrase is often used to indicate a consensus or shared understanding.

informal

To be in a state of unity or togetherness, often in a social or emotional context.

The family was at one during the holiday celebration.

The family was united during the holiday celebration.

💡

This usage is less common and often implies a sense of emotional or spiritual unity.

Collocations

at one within harmony withbe at oneto be in agreement

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

on the same pagephrase
to be in agreement or understanding with someone
in harmonyphrase
to be in a state of agreement or unity

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'at one' when you want to emphasize a sense of unity or agreement in a more formal or literary context.

Gold Rule

Agreement Rule

Use 'at one' to describe a state of agreement or unity, often in a social or emotional context.

📖Word Origin

The phrase 'at one' originates from the idea of being in a state of unity or agreement, often used in both literal and figurative contexts.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is more commonly used in British English and can sometimes be replaced with 'in agreement' or 'on the same page' in American English.

Word Breakdown

at
in a state of
preposition
+
one
unity or agreement
noun
English Dictionary