on
on Lexical Profile
on Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Currently operating, functioning, or connected to a source of power.
"Please make sure the stove is not still on before we leave the house."
Taking place, scheduled, or being broadcast as planned.
"The outdoor concert is still on despite the cloudy forecast."
• adverb
Into a state of operation, activity, or flow.
"He walked into the dark study and switched the desk lamp on."
Physically in contact with and supported by a surface, object, or person's body (especially of clothing or coverings).
"It was freezing outside, so she put her heavy winter coat on."
Aboard a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, or onto a stage or field of play.
"The train stopped briefly at the station to let the waiting passengers get on."
With continued movement, action, or progression forward in space or time.
"The hikers walked on through the afternoon until they reached the mountain cabin."
• preposition
Physically in contact with and supported by a surface.
"She left her keys and notebook on the kitchen table."
Having a specified subject, topic, or focus.
"The professor published an influential textbook on renewable energy systems."
During a specified day, date, or occasion.
"The committee is scheduled to meet again on Friday morning."
By means of or using a specified vehicle, instrument, medium, or source.
"They spoke on the telephone for nearly an hour to finalize the agreement."
In a specified state, condition, or process, or as a member of a group, staff, or committee.
"She has served on the university board of trustees for five years."
Word Nuance & Usage
When expressing location or time, 'on' typically indicates contact with a surface or a specific day or date (e.g., 'on the table', 'on Monday'), whereas 'in' denotes enclosure or broader time periods and 'at' pinpoints a specific location or exact clock time.
• Rhymes for on
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'on' (also 'an'), representing an unstressed variant of the Proto-Germanic preposition and adverb '*ana', meaning 'on' or 'upon', which is cognate with German 'an' and Ancient Greek 'ana'.