on

UK: ɒn | US: ɑːn

Definition

  1. prep. in contact with and supported by (a surface)

  2. prep. forming part of (a surface)

  3. adv. in operation or functioning

  4. adv. continuing without interruption

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "on" traces back to Old English on, derived from Proto-Germanic ana (meaning "on, upon"). It shares roots with Old Norse á, Dutch aan, and German an. Its core spatial meaning ("in contact with a surface") has remained remarkably stable across centuries, though it later expanded to abstract uses (e.g., "on duty"). As a Germanic residue word with a compact structure, it resists further morphological breakdown.

Examples

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