[on] prep [ME an, on, prep. & adv., fr. OE; akin to OHG ana on, Gk ana up, on] (bef. 12c) 1 a--used as a function word to indicate position in contact with and supported by the top surface of "the book is lying ~ the table" b--used as a function word to indicate position in or in contact with an outer surface "the fly landed ~ the ceiling" "I have a cut ~ my finger" "paint ~ the wall" c--used as a function word to indicate position in close proximity with "a village ~ the sea" "stay ~ your opponent" d--used as a function word to indicate direction or location with respect to something "~ the south" "the garden is ~ the side of the house"
2. a--used as a function word to indicate a source of attachment or support "~ a string" "stand ~ one foot" "hang it ~ a nail" b--used as a function word to indicate a source of dependence "you can rely ~ me" "feeds ~ insects" "lives ~ a pension" c--used as a function word to indicate means of conveyance "~ the bus" or presence within the confines or in possession of "had a knife ~ him" 3--used as a function word to indicate a time frame during which something takes place "a parade ~ Sunday" or an instant, action, or occurrence when something begins or is done "~ cue" "~ arriving home, I found your letter" "news ~ the hour" "cash ~ delivery"
4. archaic: of
5. a--used as a function word to indicate manner of doing something--often used with the "~ the sly" "keep everything ~ the up-and-up" b--used as a function word to indicate means or agency "cut myself ~ a knife" "talk ~ the telephone" c--used as a function word to indicate a medium of expression--used orig. to refer to physical position "best show ~ television"
6. a (1)--used as a function word to indicate active involvement in a condition or status "~ fire" "~ the increase" "~ the lookout" (2): regularly using or showing the effects of using "~ drugs" b--used as a function word to indicate involvement with the activity, work, or function of "~ tour" "~ the jury" "~ duty" c--used as a function word to indicate position or status in proper relationship with a standard or objective "~ schedule"
7. a--used as a function word to indicate reason, ground, or basis (as for an action, opinion, or computation) "I have it ~ good authority" "~ one condition" "the interest will be
10. cents ~ the dollar" b--used as a function word to indicate the cause or source "profited ~ the sale of stock" c--used as a function word to indicate the focus of obligation or responsibility "drinks are ~ the house" "put the blame ~ my actions"
8. a--used as a function word to indicate the object of collision, opposition, or hostile action "bumped my head ~ a limb" "an attack ~ religion" "pulled a gun ~ me" b--used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some disadvantage, handicap, or detriment "has three inches in height ~ me" "a 3-game lead ~ the second-place team" "the joke's ~ me"
9. a--used as a function word to indicate destination or the focus of some action, movement, or directed effort "crept up ~ him" "feast your eyes ~ this" "working ~ my skiing
[2]on adv (bef. 12c) 1 a: in or into a position of contact with an upper surface esp. so as to be positioned for use or operation "put the plates ~" b: in or into a position of being attached to or covering a surface; esp: in or into the condition of being worn "put his new shoes ~"
2. a: forward or at a more advanced point in space or time "went ~ home" "later ~" b: in continuance or succession "rambled ~" "and so ~"
3: into operation or a position permitting operation "switched the light ~" [3]on adj (ca. 1541) 1: engaged in an activity or function (as a dramatic role)
2. a (1): being in operation "the radio is ~" (2): placed so as to permit operation "the switch is ~" b: taking place "the game is ~"
3: aware of something--usu. used with to "my boss was ~ to me"
4: intended, planned "has nothing ~ for tonight"
5. Brit: talking or harping incessantly--used with about
6. chiefly Brit: regarded as possible or feasible--usu. used in negative constructions
7. a: engaged in or as if in a performance "the comedian was always ~" b: being at a high level of performance