on

I. preposition Etymology: Middle English an, on, preposition & adverb, from Old English; akin to Old High German ana on, Greek ana up, on Date: before 12th century 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

> II. adverb Date: before 12th century 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

> III. adjective Date: circa 1541 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

> 4. intended, planned <

has nothing on for tonight

> 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