on
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1on
preposition \ˈȯn, ˈän\Definition of ON
1
a —used as a function word to indicate position in contact with and supported by the top surface of <the book is lying on the table> b —used as a function word to indicate position in or in contact with an outer surface <the fly landed on the ceiling> <I have a cut on my finger> <paint on the wall> c —used as a function word to indicate position in close proximity with <a village on the sea> <stay on your opponent> d —used as a function word to indicate the location of something <on the left> <on the south side of the house> <on the farm>
2
a —used as a function word to indicate a source of attachment or support <on a string> <stand on one foot> <hang it on a nail> b —used as a function word to indicate a source of dependence <you can rely on me> <feeds on insects> <lives on a pension> c —used as a function word to indicate means of conveyance <on the bus> d —used as a function word to indicate presence in the possession of <had a knife on him>
3
—used as a function word to indicate a time frame during which something takes place <a parade on Sunday> or an instant, action, or occurrence when something begins or is done <on cue> <on arriving home, I found your letter> <news on the hour> <cash on delivery>
4
archaic : of
5
a —used as a function word to indicate manner of doing something ; often used with the <on the sly> <keep everything on the up-and-up> b —used as a function word to indicate means or agency <cut myself on a knife> <talk on the telephone> c —used as a function word to indicate a medium of expression <on stage> <best show on television>
6
a (1) —used as a function word to indicate active involvement in a condition or status <on the increase> <on the lookout> (2) : regularly using or showing the effects of using <on drugs> b —used as a function word to indicate involvement or participation <on tour> <on the team> <on duty> c —used as a function word to indicate inclusion <put it on the agenda> d —used as a function word to indicate position or status in proper relationship with a standard or objective <on schedule>
7
a —used as a function word to indicate reason, ground, or basis (as for an action, opinion, or computation) <I have it on good authority> <on one condition> <the interest will be 10 cents on the dollar> b —used as a function word to indicate the cause or source <profited on the sale of stock> c —used as a function word to indicate the focus of obligation or responsibility <drinks are on the house> <put the blame on me>
8
a —used as a function word to indicate the object of collision, opposition, or hostile action <bumped my head on a limb> <an attack on religion> <pulled a gun on me> b —used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some disadvantage, handicap, or detriment <has three inches in height on me> <a 3-game lead on the second-place team> <the joke's on me>
9
a —used as a function word to indicate destination or the focus of some action, movement, or directed effort <crept up on him> <feast your eyes on this> <working on my skiing> <made a payment on the loan> b —used as a function word to indicate the focus of feelings, determination, or will <have pity on me> <keen on sports> <a curse on you> c —used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some misfortune or disadvantageous event <the crops died on them> d —used as a function word to indicate the subject of study, discussion, or consideration <a book on insects> <reflect on that a moment> <agree on price> e : with respect to <go light on the salt> <short on cash>
10
—used as a function word to indicate reduplication or succession in a series <loss on loss>
See Examples of ON
- There is a lot of frosting on the cake.
- <books on sports heroes are my favorite reading matter>
Origin of ON
Middle English an, on, preposition & adverb, from Old English; akin to Old High German ana on, Greek ana up, on
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to ON
- Synonyms
- apropos, apropos of, as far as, as for, as regards (also as respects), as to, concerning, of, about, regarding, respecting, touching, toward (or towards)
2on
adverbDefinition of ON
1
a : in or into a position of contact with an upper surface especially so as to be positioned for use or operation <put the plates on> b : in or into a position of being attached to or covering a surface; especially : in or into the condition of being worn <put his new shoes on>
2
a : forward or at a more advanced point in space or time <went on home> <later on> b : in continuance or succession <rambled on> <and so on>
3
: into operation or a position permitting operation <switched the light on>
Examples of ON
- We're far on with our project.
- I'll come by to help you later on.
First Known Use of ON
before 12th century
3on
adjectiveDefinition of ON
1
: engaged in an activity or function (as a dramatic role)
2
a (1) : being in operation <the radio is on> (2) : placed so as to permit operation <the switch is on> b : taking place or being broadcast <the game is on>
3
: aware of something —usually used with to <my boss was on to me>
5
British : talking or harping incessantly —used with about
6
chiefly British : regarded as possible or feasible —usually used in negative constructions
7
a : engaged in or as if in a performance <the comedian was always on> b : being at a high level of performance
Examples of ON
- The lid is on tight.
- The band will be on in 10 minutes.
- He is on tomorrow from 6 a.m to 6 p.m.
First Known Use of ON
circa 1541
Related to ON
- Synonyms
- alive, functional, functioning, going, live, living, active, operating, operational, operative, running, working
- Antonyms
- broken, dead, inactive, inoperative, kaput (also kaputt), nonactivated, nonfunctional, nonfunctioning, nonoperating, nonoperational, nonoperative
ON
abbreviationDefinition of ON
Ontario
Variants of ON
ON or Ont
on
preposition \ˈȯn, ˈän\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of ON
: regularly using or showing the effects of using <is on an ACE inhibitor to control hypertension> <was on drugs for two years before entering rehab>
Learn More About ON
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Next Word in the Dictionary: -on (noun suffix)
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Omuta
All Words Near: on
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Omuta
All Words Near: on
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