The following is from Etymonline
ad- word-forming element expressing direction toward or in addition to, from Latin ad "to, toward" in space or time; "with regard to, in relation to," as a prefix, sometimes merely emphatic, from PIE root *ad- "to, near, at."
Could you please give a few word examples where prefix ad- is merely emphatic?
How did the meaning of *ad- "to, near, at" evolve to acquire the emphatic function?
The following is from Etymonline
The following is from the OED
ad- prefix
1.In combinations formed in Latin and transmitted through Old or later French, as adapt v., adduce v., address v., or adapted or formed in English, as admix v., adnumber v., with the sense ‘to, towards, near, at’, or indicating change into, addition, adherence, increase, or intensification.
- Forming chiefly scientific adjectives and adverbs with the sense ‘position adjacent to or towards’, as adaxial adj., adoral adj.
You will note that there is nothing to indicate emphasis.
