the general signification of on is situation, motion, or condition with respect to contact or support beneath-at, or in contact with, the surface or upper part of a thing, and supported by it; placed or lying in contact with the surface; as, the book lies on the table, which stands on the floor of a house on an island.-to or against the surface of; -- used to indicate the motion of a thing as coming or falling to the surface of another; as, rain falls on the earth.-denoting performance or action by contact with the surface, upper part, or outside of anything; hence, by means of; with; as, to play on a violin or piano. hence, figuratively, to work on one's feelings; to make an impression on the mind.-at or near; adjacent to; -- indicating situation, place, or position; as, on the one hand, on the other hand; the fleet is on the american coast.-in addition to; besides; -- indicating multiplication or succession in a series; as, heaps on heaps; mischief on mischief; loss on loss; thought on thought.-indicating dependence or reliance; with confidence in; as, to depend on a person for assistance; to rely on; hence, indicating the ground or support of anything; as, he will promise on certain conditions; to bet on a horse.-at or in the time of; during; as, on sunday we abstain from labor. see at (synonym).-at the time of, conveying some notion of cause or motive; as, on public occasions, the officers appear in full dress or uniform. hence, in consequence of, or following; as, on the ratification of the treaty, the armies were disbanded.-toward; for; -- indicating the object of some passion; as, have pity or compassion on him.-at the peril of, or for the safety of.-by virtue of; with the pledge of; -- denoting a pledge or engagement, and put before the thing pledged; as, he affirmed or promised on his word, or on his honor.-to the account of; -- denoting imprecation or invocation, or coming to, falling, or resting upon; as, on us be all the blame; a curse on him.-in reference or relation to; as, on our part expect punctuality; a satire on society.-of.-occupied with; in the performance of; as, only three officers are on duty; on a journey.-in the service of; connected with; of the number of; as, he is on a newspaper; on a committee.-forward, in progression; onward; -- usually with a verb of motion; as, move on; go on.-forward, in succession; as, from father to son, from the son to the grandson, and so on.-in continuance; without interruption or ceasing; as, sleep on, take your ease; say on; sing on.-adhering; not off; as in the phrase, "he is neither on nor off," that is, he is not steady, he is irresolute.-attached to the body, as clothing or ornament, or for use.-in progress; proceeding; as, a game is on.