170. The preposition "de" conveys the general idea of separation from a
source or starting point, in space (literal or figurative), or in time
(89, 131). This meaning develops into that of the source from which
connection or ownership arises (49), and also into that of the agency
from which an act is done or a condition caused (169). The prepositional
phrase containing "de" must be so placed as to avoid ambiguity in its
meaning, or must be reinforced by an adverb or other word:
La arbo estas malproksima de la domo, the tree is far from the house.
Gxi estas proksima de la gxardeno, it is near to (from) the garden.
Mi prenas la libron for de la knabo,
I take the book away from the boy.
Mi prenas la libron de la knabo, I take the book of the boy.
La afero dependas de vi, the matter depends upon (from) you.