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| on [ on ] |
preposition |
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| Definition: |
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1. indicates position: used to indicate a position above and in contact with the surface of something else
  sitting on the bed
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2. attached to something: used to indicate attachment to or suspension from a surface or object
a wooden wheel mounted on the wall
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3. supporting weight: used to indicate what part of the body is supporting somebody's weight
They sat there leaning on their elbows.
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4. carrying something: carrying something that is therefore readily accessible
I didn't have any cash on me at the time.
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5. indicates location or vicinity: located in a place or situated close to or alongside a place
a town on the coast of Trinidad
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6. at time: used to indicate when something happens
just before noon on Tuesday
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7. relating to something: concerned with or relating to a particular subject, thing, or activity
a talk on international relations
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8. where something is available: used to indicate that some form of information or entertainment is currently available from a machine or instrument
a comedy show on the radio
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9. as means of functioning: used to indicate the means by which somebody or something subsists or functions
animals that feed on the leaves of the trees
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10. by means of something: using something as a means of transport
They arrived on horseback.
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11. engaged in something: engaged in an activity
My assistant is away on a course.
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12. according to something: used to indicate that something is grounds for a statement, way of thinking, or action
allowing them to compete on an equal basis
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13. in current rank or position: used to indicate somebody's current status or position in an organization or institution
My sister is on the committee.
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14. directed toward something or somebody: used to indicate that something is directed toward somebody or something
I shone my flashlight on the inscription.
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15. charged to somebody: used to indicate that the cost of drinks or a meal is charged to a particular person
The drinks are on me.
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16. in direct contact: in direct conflict, competition, or contact with another
(
informal
)
spent many hours in one-on-one debate
white-on-white violence
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adverb |
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| Definition: |
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1. in contact with something: in contact with, attached to, or supported by something
an envelope with a stamp on
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2. into condition of attachment or suspension: into a condition of being attached to or suspended from something
sewing a button on
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3. into operation: into the condition of operating or functioning
turned the television on
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4. with clothing: wearing clothes or placing clothing over a part of the body
I pulled my tee-shirt on.
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5. persistently: in a continuous or persistent way
decided to stay on in Cambridge
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6. in progress: in activity or performance at the present time or at some implied time
putting a play on
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7. baseball indicating runner's position: in baseball, used to indicate whether an offensive player is on the bases
had left three runners on
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8. gambling wagered: wagered as a bet
put a bet on
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adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. taking place: happening or being performed at the present time
There's nothing good on tonight.
I've got a lot on at the moment.
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2. arranged or planned: indicating that an activity is arranged and will happen
Is the game still on?
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3. functioning: indicating that a machine or device is functioning or in use
There's a light on upstairs.
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transitive verb (past and past participle onned, present participle on·ning, 3rd person present singular ons) |
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| Definition: |
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Malaysia switch something on: to switch on something such as a light or an electrical appliance
(
usually used without inflections
)
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| [ Old English, < Indo-European] |
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be on to be performing exceptionally well at something (slang)
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be on to somebody or something to have information on or be aware of the real nature of somebody or something (informal)
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on and off occasionally
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on and on in a continuous, persistent way
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you're on used to indicate that somebody is agreeing to do something proposed by somebody else (informal)
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