It's possible to use the preposition à to imply "at," "in," or "to," whereas the preposition "de" might signify "from," "of," or "out of." demonstrates the place of departure as well as the goal, the cause as well as the consequence, the methods as well as the conclusion. In addition to signifying separation, the prefix de may also be used to refer to the beginning, place of departure, consequence, and belonging of anything.