on
adjective · adverb · noun
Simple meaning
Functioning or operating.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
ahnIPA pronunciation (US)
ˈɑn
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
adjective
In the state of being active, functioning or operating.
chiefly in the negative
Possible; capable of being successfully carried out.
Happening; taking place; being or due to be put into action.
informal
Of a person, used to express agreement to or acceptance of a proposal or challenge made by that person; most commonly with subject "you".
Fitted; covering or being worn.
informalof a person
Performative or funny in a wearying manner.
adverb
In a state required for something to function or be effective
So as to cover or be fitted.
Along, forwards (continuing an action), onwards.
In continuation, at length.
Of betting odds, denoting a better-than-even chance. See also odds-on.
To an operating state.
noun
In the Japanese language, a pronunciation, or reading, of a kanji character that was originally based on the character's pronunciation in Chinese, contrasted with kun.
A province in eastern Canada. Capital: Toronto.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- A1 · Beginner (estimated)
- Frequency
- Very Common
- Typical Use
- Everyday English
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: In the state of being active, functioning or operating.
Used this way, on is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- No strong connotation
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use on
- “The picnic is on, rain or shine.”adjective
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.