Meaning of on in English

Table of contents

Adverb
on
Definitions
1. with a forward motion
Examples
- « we drove along admiring the view »
- « the horse trotted along at a steady pace »
- « the circus traveled on to the next city »
- « move along »
- « march on »
2. indicates continuity or persistence or concentration
Examples
- « his spirit lives on »
- « shall I read on? »
3. in a state required for something to function or be effective
Examples
- « turn the lights on »
- « get a load on »
Qualitative Adjective
on
Definitions
1. in operation or operational
Examples
- « left the oven on »
- « the switch is in the on position »
Synonyms
- connected
Antonyms
- off
2. (of events) planned or scheduled
Examples
- « the picnic is on, rain or shine »
- « we have nothing on for Friday night »
Synonyms
- happening
Antonyms
- off
- cancelled

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