Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

on

preposition (NECESSARY)
 
 
/ɒn/ US  /ɑːn/

Definition

used to show a person or thing that is necessary for something to happen or that is the origin of something: We're relying on you. I might come - it depends on Andrew. Most children remain dependent on their parents while at university. His latest movie is based on a fairy story.Essential or necessary
(Definition of on preposition (NECESSARY) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“on” in other dictionaries

Word of the Day

throw caution to the wind/winds

to do something without worrying about the risk or negative results

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More