preposition

behind

behind [preposition]

At the back (of)

/bɪˈhaɪnd/

Example:

Look behind you!

Oxford Essential Dictionary

behind

preposition, adverb

1 at or to the back of somebody or something:
I hid behind the wall.
I drove off and Jim followed behind.

2 slower or less good than somebody or something; slower or less good than you should be:
She is behind with her work because she is often ill.

3 in the place where somebody or something was before:
I got off the train and left my bag behind (= on the train).

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

behind

I. be‧hind¹ S1 W1 /bɪˈhaɪnd/ BrE AmE preposition, adverb
[Language: Old English; Origin: behindan, from hindan 'from behind']
1. at or towards the back of a thing or person:
I turned to speak to the person standing behind me.
Someone could easily creep up behind us.
The car behind was hooting impatiently.
Jane shut the door behind her.
The manager was sitting behind a large desk.
close behind/not far behind
He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind.
► Do not say ‘behind of’: He hid behind a chair (NOT behind of a chair).
2. not as successful or not having made as much progress as someone or something else:
Mark’s always behind the rest of his class in mathematics.
This victory lifts Ferguson’s team into fifth place, nine points behind leaders Norwich.
Europe was falling behind in the important field of computer technology.
3. used to say that someone is late in doing what they have to do:
This work should have been finished yesterday. I’m getting terribly behind.
Victor had fallen behind with his mortgage payments after losing his job.
an important research project that is already two years behind schedule (=not ready at the time planned)
4. used for talking about the hidden reason for something:
I wonder what’s behind this change of plan.
Perhaps a bitter experience lay behind her anger.
5. supporting a person, idea etc:
The workers are very much behind these proposals.
I suppose I’m lucky because my parents were behind me all the way.
6. responsible for a plan, idea etc or for organizing something:
It was alleged that foreign agents were behind the recent violence.
The Rotary Club is behind the fund-raising for the new hospital.
7. if an unpleasant experience or situation is behind you, it no longer upsets you or affects your life:
Now you can put all these worries behind you.
a chance to start a new life and leave all your troubles behind
8. if you have experience behind you, you have gained valuable skills or important qualities that can be used:
Marjorie is one of the top designers in the business, with years of experience behind her.
9. used when the real facts about a situation or someone’s character are hidden by the way things seem or by the way a person behaves:
We were determined to find the truth behind this mystery.
You could see the burning hatred behind Graham’s calm manner.
10. if a student stays behind after school or after a lesson, they stay after it has finished
⇨ behind sb’s back at ↑back²(9), ⇨ behind bars at ↑bar¹(7), ⇨ behind the times at ↑time¹(38)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ behind at or towards the back of something, and often hidden by it: The sun went behind a cloud. | I got stuck behind a truck on the way to the airport.
▪ at the back British English, in (the) back American English behind something, especially a building: There’s a small garden at the back of the cottage. | Their house has a pool in the back.
▪ at/to the rear written behind something, especially a building. At/to the rear sounds rather formal and is used especially in written descriptions: They parked in a small carpark at the rear of the hotel. | There is a small seating area to the rear.
▪ in the background if someone or something is in the background, it is behind the place where the main activity is happening: If you look carefully at the painting, you will see several men sitting at a table in the background.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

behind

be·hind preposition, adverb, noun [bɪˈhaɪnd] [bɪˈhaɪnd]

preposition
1. at or towards the back of sb/sth, and often hidden by it or them
• Who's the girl standing behind Jan?
• Stay close behind me.
• a small street behind the station
• She glanced behind her.
• Don't forget to lock the door behind you (= when you leave).
• The sun disappeared behind the clouds.

compare in front of

2. making less progress than sb/sth
• He's behind the rest of the class in reading.

• We're behind schedule (= late).

3. giving support to or approval of sb/sth

• She knew that, whatever she decided, her family was right behind her.

4. responsible for starting or developing sth
• What's behind that happy smile (= what is causing it)?

• He was the man behind the plan to build a new hospital.

5. used to say that sth is in sb's past
• The accident is behind you now, so try to forget it.
• She has ten years' useful experience behind her.
Word Origin:
Old English behindan, bihindan, from bi ‘by’ + hindan ‘from behind’.
Which Word?:
at the back / at the rear / behind

At the back and at the rear have a similar meaning, but at the rear is used more in formal or official language: ▪ What’s that at the back of the fridge? ◊ ▪ Smoking is only allowed at the rear of the aircraft. It is more usual to talk about the back door of a house but the rear exit of an aircraft or public building. If something is behind something else it is near to the back of it but not part of it. Compare: ▪ Our room was at the back of the hotel and ▪ There’s a lovely wood just behind our hotel.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

behind / bɪˈhaɪnd / preposition , adverb

A1 at the back (of):

Look behind you!

I hung my coat behind the door.

Alex led, and I followed along behind.

mainly UK As hard as she tried, she always fell behind the other swimmers in the races.

figurative I knew that behind (= hidden by) her smile was sadness.

behind / bɪˈhaɪnd / preposition

C1 responsible for or the cause of:

He wondered what was behind his neighbour's sudden friendliness.

Marie Curie was the woman behind enormous changes in the science of chemistry.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

behind
I. PREPOSITION AND ADVERB USES

/bɪhaɪnd/
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'behind' is also used in a few phrasal verbs, such as ‘fall behind’ and ‘lie behind’.
Please look at category 14 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1.
If something is behind a thing or person, it is on the other side of them from you, or nearer their back rather than their front.
I put one of the cushions behind his head...
They were parked behind the truck...
PREP
•
Behind is also an adverb.
Rising into the hills behind are 800 acres of parkland...
She was attacked from behind.
ADV: usu n ADV, from ADV
2.
If you are walking or travelling behind someone or something, you are following them.
Keith wandered along behind him...
Myra and Sam and the children were driving behind them.
PREP
•
Behind is also an adverb.
The troopers followed behind, every muscle tensed for the sudden gunfire.
ADV: ADV after v
3.
If someone is behind a desk, counter, or bar, they are on the other side of it from where you are.
The colonel was sitting behind a cheap wooden desk...
He could just about see the little man behind the counter.
PREP
4.
When you shut a door or gate behind you, you shut it after you have gone through it.
I walked out and closed the door behind me...
He slammed the gate shut behind him.
PREP: PREP pron
5.
The people, reason, or events behind a situation are the causes of it or are responsible for it.
It is still not clear who was behind the killing...
He is embarrassed about the motives behind his decision.
PREP
6.
If something or someone is behind you, they support you and help you.
He had the state’s judicial power behind him.
PREP: PREP pron
7.
If you refer to what is behind someone’s outside appearance, you are referring to a characteristic which you cannot immediately see or is not obvious, but which you think is there.
What lay behind his anger was really the hurt he felt at Grace’s refusal...
PREP
8.
If you are behind someone, you are less successful than them, or have done less or advanced less.
Food production has already fallen behind the population growth.
≠ ahead of
PREP
•
Behind is also an adverb.
The rapid development of technology means that she is now far behind, and will need retraining...
ADV: be ADV, ADV after v
9.
If an experience is behind you, it happened in your past and will not happen again, or no longer affects you.
Maureen put the nightmare behind her...
PREP: PREP pron
10.
If you have a particular achievement behind you, you have managed to reach this achievement, and other people consider it to be important or valuable.
He has 20 years of loyal service to Barclays Bank behind him...
PREP: have/with n PREP pron
11.
If something is behind schedule, it is not as far advanced as people had planned. If someone is behind schedule, they are not progressing as quickly at something as they had planned.
The work is 22 weeks behind schedule...
≠ ahead of
PREP: oft n PREP n
12.
If you stay behind, you remain in a place after other people have gone.
About 1,200 personnel will remain behind to take care of the air base.
ADV: ADV after v
13.
If you leave something or someone behind, you do not take them with you when you go.
The rebels fled into the mountains, leaving behind their weapons and supplies...
ADV: ADV after v

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

²behind prep
1 : in or to a place at the back of or to the rear of (someone or something)
• Look behind you.
• He was standing in front of me and she was standing behind [=in back of] me.
• The older students entered the room first with the younger students following behind them.
• The house is behind some trees. [=there are some trees in front of the house]
• The cat hid behind the couch.
• The sun went/hid/was behind a cloud.
- see also behind the eight ball at eight ball
2 : losing to (someone or something) in a race or competition
• “How far behind the other runners was she?” “At least 50 yards (behind them).”
• They were ahead of us by 5 points earlier in the game, but now they're behind us by 7.
• The polls show that he is behind the other candidates.
• The company is now behind the competition.
3 : in a less advanced position than (someone or something)
• He was a year behind me in school. [=he finished school a year after I did] : not happening or proceeding as quickly as (someone or something)
• He was behind the other students in his studies.
• This year's sales have lagged considerably/significantly behind last year's sales. [=sales have not been as good this year as they were last year]
• We're running about five minutes behind schedule. [=late]
4 a : in the past for (someone or something)
• Those problems are behind us now.
• Her best work is behind her. [=her best work was in the past]
• He has many years of experience behind him. [=he has many years of experience in his past]
b : out of the mind or thoughts of (someone)
• Let's put our troubles behind us. [=let's stop thinking/worrying about our troubles]
5 a : providing the reason or explanation for (something)
• We need to learn more about the conditions behind the strike. [=the conditions that led to the strike]
• What was really behind his murder? [=what was the real reason for his murder?]
b : responsible for (something)
• We'll get to the bottom of this conspiracy and find out who's behind it!
6 a : in support of (someone or something)
• Despite the controversy, most of his supporters remain solidly behind him.
• We're behind you all the way!
• I encourage everyone to get behind these proposals. [=to support these proposals]
b : with the support of (something)
• They won the game 1–0 behind brilliant pitching. [=brilliant pitching made it possible for them to win the game 1–0]

in

in [preposition] (INSIDE)

Inside or towards the inside of a container, place, or area, or surrounded or closed off by something

/ɪn/

Example:

Put the milk back in the fridge when you've finished with it.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

preposition

1 a word that shows where somebody or something is:
a country in Africa
He put his hand in the water
She was lying in bed.

2 making all or part of something:
There are 100 centimetres in a metre.

3 a word that shows when something happens:
My birthday is in May.
He started school in 1987.

4 a word that shows how long something takes:
I'll be ready in ten minutes.

5 a word that shows what clothes somebody is wearing:
He was dressed in a suit.

6 a word that shows how somebody or something is:
This room is in a mess.
Jenny was in tears (= she was crying).
Sit in a circle.

7 a word that shows somebody's job:
He's in the army.

8 a word that shows in what way or in what language:
Write your name in capital letters.
They were speaking in French.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

I. in¹ S1 W1 /ɪn/ BrE AmE preposition
[Language: Old English]
1. used with the name of a container, place, or area to say where someone or something is:
There’s some sugar in the cupboard.
My mother was in the kitchen.
He took us for a drive in his new car.
I found her sitting up in bed.
Manson spent fifteen years in prison.
a hole in the ground
Mr Fisher is in Boston this week.
My parents live in New Zealand now.
2. into a container, place etc:
I never went in pubs.
He almost drowned when he fell in the river.
You can put your pyjamas in the bottom drawer.
Get in the car.
She looked in her handbag, but her keys were not there.
3. used to say how something is done or happens:
a room furnished in the modern style
Her parents always talk to her in German.
She shouted my name in a harsh voice.
a short note scribbled in pencil
The title was printed in capital letters.
We waited in silence.
4. used with the names of months, years, seasons etc to say when something happens:
Shaw first visited Russia in 1927.
Bright yellow flowers appear in late summer.
He retired in October.
5. during a period of time:
It was amazing how much we managed to do in a day.
the hardest decision I ever made in my life
GRAMMAR
Do not use in before 'this’, 'last', and 'next' when saying when something happens:
▪ I got a letter from my sister this morning (NOT in this morning).
▪ I hope to go to Europe next summer (NOT in next summer).
You do not normally use in when saying how often something happens during a particular period of time:
▪ The group meets four times a week (NOT four times in a week). But when you are emphasizing how often something happens, you can use in in front of one:
▪ She was late for school four times in one week.
6. at the end of a period of time:
I’ll be with you in a minute.
The results will be announced in two weeks’ time.
7. used with negatives or with ‘first’ to say how much time has passed since the last time something happened:
I haven’t enjoyed myself so much in years.
It was the team’s first win in eighteen months.
8. used to name the book, document, film etc where something or someone appears:
You shouldn’t believe everything you read in the newspapers.
Which actress starred in the film ‘Cleopatra’?
There are a few mistakes in your essay.
In his speech, Professor Leary praised the work of the volunteers.
9. making up the whole of something or included as part of something:
There are twelve programmes in the series.
How many minutes are there in an hour?
Think of a word with eight letters in it meaning ‘cold’.
Owen will be playing in the England team tomorrow.
10. doing or affecting a particular kind of job:
a career in industry
He’s been in politics for fifteen years.
reforms in education
11. wearing something:
He looked very handsome in his uniform.
She was dressed in a blue linen suit.
12. used to talk about the state or situation of something or someone:
I hear that their marriage is in trouble.
The engine appears to be in good condition.
His life was in danger.
The castle now lies in ruins.
13. used to say what activity a group of people do:
About 4,000 students took part in the protest.
his role in the negotiations
14. used to talk about the shape, arrangement, or course of something or someone:
I want you all to stand in a circle.
She slept curled up in a ball.
Can you walk in a straight line?
15. used between a smaller number and a larger number to say how common or how likely something is:
One in ten homes now has cable TV.
Smokers have a one in three chance of dying from their habit.
16. used before a plural number or amount to say how many people or things are involved, or how many there are in each group:
Eggs are still sold in half dozens.
The children work in pairs.
in their hundreds/thousands etc (=in very large numbers)
People flocked in their thousands to greet their new princess.
17. used between a smaller number or amount and a larger one to say what a rate is:
Income tax stands at 23 pence in the pound.
a hill with a gradient of one in six
18. used to say what colour something is or what it is made of:
Do you have the same pattern in blue?
a sculpture in white marble
19. used to say what specific thing your statement is related to:
Milk is very rich in calcium.
Clark had become more extreme in his opinions.
an increase in fuel prices
The street is about a mile in length.
20. used to refer to the weather or the physical conditions somewhere:
I’ve been standing in the rain for over an hour.
Would you prefer to sit in the shade?
21. used to say what feeling you have when you do something:
She looked at me in horror.
It was all done purely in fun.
22. used before the name of someone or something when you are saying how they are regarded:
You have a very good friend in Pat.
In Dwight D. Eisenhower the Republicans had found the ideal candidate.
23. used to say what person or thing has the quality you are mentioning:
There was a hint of spring in the air.
I don’t think Freddy had it in him to be a killer.
She’s everything I’d want in a wife (=she has every quality I would want a wife to have).
24. used to name the substance, food, drink etc that contains something:
Vitamin D is found in butter.
25. used to say how many parts something is divided into:
a radio serial in four parts
in two/halves/pieces etc
I tore the letter in two and threw the pieces in the fire.
26. while doing something or while something is happening, and as a result of this:
In all the confusion, it is quite possible that some people got tickets without paying.
In my excitement, I forgot all about the message.
in doing something
In trying to protect the queen, Howard had put his own life in danger.
27. in that used after a statement to begin to explain in what way it is true:
I’ve been lucky in that I have never had to worry about money.
28. be in your 20s/30s/40s etc to be between the ages of 20 and 29, 30 and 39 etc:
Matthews was already in his mid-40s.
⇨ in all at ↑all¹(11)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ after preposition after something happens, or after a period of time has passed. After is used especially when taking about the past: We went for a walk after lunch. | After an hour, we got tired of waiting and went home. | They got married just after Christmas.
▪ in preposition after a particular period of time. In is used especially when talking about the future, especially the next few minutes, hours, days etc: The concert’s due to start in a few minutes. | I’ll come back in an hour. | In a few years’ time, this place will look completely different.
▪ within preposition after less than a month, two weeks etc has passed – used especially when the time seems surprisingly short: within a month/two weeks etc: He developed a headache at lunchtime, and within two hours he was dead. | Within two days of arriving she had managed to upset everyone.
▪ 24 hours/a year etc from now at a time 24 hours, a year etc after now: A week from now we’ll be in Paris.
▪ afterwards (also afterward especially American English) adverb after an event or time you have mentioned: Jones admitted afterwards that she had been very nervous during the game. | Speaking to reporters afterward, he said the operation had been a success. | He moved to Belgium, and soon afterwards he met Angela.
▪ later adverb some time after now or after the time you are talking about: I’ll tell you about it later when I’m less busy. | two months/three years etc later: James went off, and came back ten minutes later with some food.
▪ subsequently adverb formal after something had happened in the past: The book was published in 1954 and was subsequently translated into fifteen languages.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

in preposition, adverb, adjective, noun [ɪn] [ɪn]

preposition For the special uses of in in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example deal in sth is in the phrasal verb section at deal.
1. at a point within an area or a space
• a country in Africa
• The kids were playing in the street.
• It's in that drawer.

• I read about it in the paper.

2. within the shape of sth; surrounded by sth
• She was lying in bed.
• sitting in an armchair
• Leave the key in the lock.

• Soak it in cold water.

3. into sth
• He dipped his brush in the paint.

• She got in her car and drove off.

4. forming the whole or part of sth/sb; contained within sth/sb
• There are 31 days in May.
• all the paintings in the collection

• I recognize his father in him (= his character is similar to his father's).

5. during a period of time
• in 2009
• in the 18th century
• in spring/summer/autumn/winter
• in the fall
• in March
• in the morning/afternoon/evening

• I'm getting forgetful in my old age.

6. after a particular length of time
• to return in a few minutes/hours/days/months.
• It will be ready in a week's time (= one week from now).

• She learnt to drive in three weeks (= after three weeks she could drive).

7. (used in negative sentences or after first, last, etc.) for a particular period of time
• I haven't seen him in years.

• It's the first letter I've had in ten days.

8. wearing sth
• dressed in their best clothes
• the man in the hat
• to be in uniform

• She was all in black.

9. used to describe physical surroundings
• We went out in the rain.

• He was sitting alone in the darkness.

10. used to show a state or condition
• I'm in love!
• The house is in good repair.
• I must put my affairs in order.
• a man in his thirties

• The daffodils were in full bloom.

11. involved in sth; taking part in sth

• to act in a play

12. used to show sb's job or profession
• He is in the army.
• She's in computers.

• in business

13. used to show the form, shape, arrangement or quantity of sth
• a novel in three parts
• Roll it up in a ball.
• They sat in rows.

• People flocked in their thousands to see her.

14. used to show the language, material, etc. used
• Say it in English.
• She wrote in pencil.
• Put it in writing.
• I paid in cash.

• He spoke in a loud voice.

15. concerning sth
• She was not lacking in courage.
• a country rich in minerals

• three metres in length

16. while doing sth; while sth is happening
• In attempting to save the child from drowning, she nearly lost her own life.

• In all the commotion I forgot to tell him the news.

17. used to introduce the name of a person who has a particular quality

• We're losing a first-rate editor in Jen.

18. used to show a rate or relative amount
• a gradient of one in five
• a tax rate of 22 pence in the pound
Word Origin:
Old English in (preposition), inn, inne (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German in (preposition), German ein (adverb), from an Indo-European root shared by Latin in and Greek en.

Idioms: have an in with somebody ▪ in and out ▪ in at something ▪ in for something ▪ in on something ▪ in that ▪ in to something ▪ in with somebody ▪ ins and outs

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

in / ɪn / preposition (INSIDE)

A1 inside or towards the inside of a container, place, or area, or surrounded or closed off by something:

Put the milk back in the fridge when you've finished with it.

Is Mark still in bed?

I got stuck in a traffic jam for half an hour.

They live in a charming old cottage.

How much is that coat on display in the window (= in the space behind the window of the shop) ?

I've got a pain in my back.

What's that in your hand?

I've got something in (= on the surface of) my eye.

They used to live in Paris, but now they're somewhere in Austria.

He's always looking at himself in the mirror (= at the image of his face produced by the mirror) .

I never know what's going on in her head (= what she's thinking about) .

My daughter's in hospital ( US in the hospital) having her tonsils out.

US Is Erika still in school (= does she still go to school) ?

in / ɪn / preposition (INTO)

into something:

Come on, we're late - get in the car.

Put it in the cupboard.

They threw him in the swimming pool.

in / ɪn / preposition (PART)

A2 forming a part of something:

He used to be the lead singer in a rock 'n' roll band.

There are too many spelling mistakes in this essay.

I've been waiting in this queue for ages.

What do you look for in a relationship?

I can see a future champion in Joely (= I think that Joely might become a champion) .

Talent like hers is rare in someone so young.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

in / ɪn / preposition (DURING)

A1 during part or all of a period of time:

We're going to Italy in April.

Some trees lose their leaves in (the) autumn.

I started working here in 2009.

Life in the 19th century was very different from what it is now.

Bye, see you in the morning (= tomorrow morning) .

She was a brilliant gymnast in her youth (= when she was young) .

How many civilians died in the Vietnam War?

This is the first cigarette I've had in three years.

I haven't had a decent night's sleep in years/ages (= for a long time) .

in between between the two times mentioned:

I have breakfast at 7.30, lunch at 1.00, and sometimes a snack in between.

in / ɪn / preposition (NO MORE THAN)

A2 needing or using no more time than a particular amount of time:

Can you finish the job in two weeks?

She could get that essay done in a couple of hours if she really tried.

They completed the journey in record time (= faster than ever done before) .

in / ɪn / preposition (BEFORE THE END)

A2 before or at the end of a particular period:

Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.

We'll all be dead in a hundred years so there's no point worrying about it.

I'm just setting off, so I should be with you in half an hour.

in / ɪn / preposition (EXPERIENCING)

B1 experiencing a situation or condition, or feeling an emotion:

We watched in horror as they pulled the bodies from the wreckage.

He's living in luxury in the south of France.

She left in a bit of a hurry.

You're in great danger.

Could I have a word with you in private?

Have you ever been in love?

Your car's in very good condition, considering how old it is.

in / ɪn / preposition (EXPRESSED)

B1 expressed or written in a particular way:

Cheques should be written in ink.

She usually paints in watercolour.

They spoke in Russian the whole time.

He always talks in a whisper.

in / ɪn / preposition (RESULT)

B2 used when referring to something that is done as a result of something else:

I'd like to do something for you in return / exchange for everything you've done for me.

The changes are in response to demand from our customers.

He refused to say anything in reply to the journalists' questions.

in / ɪn / preposition (ARRANGEMENT)

B1 used to show how things or people are arranged or divided:

We all sat down in a circle.

The desks were arranged in rows of ten.

Discounts are available to people travelling in large groups.

Sometimes customers buy books in twos and threes, but rarely in larger quantities than that.

Cut the potatoes in two.

People are dying in their thousands from cold and starvation.

in / ɪn / preposition (AGE/TEMPERATURE)

used when referring approximately to someone's age or the weather temperature:

Nowadays many women are in their late thirties when they have their first child.

Temperatures will be in the mid-twenties (= about 25 degrees) .

in / ɪn / preposition (INVOLVED)

B1 involved or connected with a particular subject or activity:

I never knew you were in publishing.

a degree in philosophy

advances in medical science

in / ɪn / preposition (WEARING)

B1 wearing:

Do you recognize that man in the grey suit?

Pat can't resist men in uniform.

You look nice in green (= green clothes) .

in / ɪn / preposition (COMPARING AMOUNTS)

used to compare one part of an amount of something with the total amount of it:

Apparently one in ten people/one person in ten has problems with reading.

UK The basic rate of income tax is 25 pence in ( US on ) the pound.

in / ɪn / preposition (CHARACTERISTIC)

used to show which characteristic or part of a person or thing is being described:

The new version is worse in every respect - I much preferred the original.

Are the two bags equal in weight?

She's deaf in her left ear.

in / ɪn / preposition (CAUSE)

[ + -ing verb ] used to show when doing one thing is the cause of another thing happening:

In refus ing (= because she refused) to work abroad, she missed an excellent job opportunity.

The government banned tobacco advertising and, in doing so (= because of this) , contributed greatly to the nation's health.

in that formal because:

This research is important in that it confirms the link between aggression and alcohol.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

in
I. POSITION OR MOVEMENT

The preposition is pronounced /ɪn/. The adverb is pronounced /ɪn/.
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'in' is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. 'In' is also used with verbs of movement such as ‘walk’ and ‘push’, and in phrasal verbs such as ‘give in’ and ‘dig in’.
1.
Someone or something that is in something else is enclosed by it or surrounded by it. If you put something in a container, you move it so that it is enclosed by the container.
He was in his car.
...clothes hanging in the wardrobe...
PREP
2.
If something happens in a place, it happens there.
We spent a few days in a hotel...
He had intended to take a holiday in America...
PREP
3.
If you are in, you are present at your home or place of work.
My flatmate was in at the time...
≠ out
ADV: be ADV
4.
When someone comes in, they enter a room or building.
She looked up anxiously as he came in...
They shook hands and went in.
ADV: ADV after v
5.
If a train, boat, or plane has come in or is in, it has arrived at a station, port, or airport.
We’d be watching every plane coming in from Melbourne...
Look. The train’s in. We’ll have to run for it now.
ADV: ADV after v, be ADV
6.
When the sea or tide comes in, the sea moves towards the shore rather than away from it.
She thought of the tide rushing in, covering the wet sand...
≠ out
ADV: ADV after v, be ADV
7.
Something that is in a window, especially a shop window, is just behind the window so that you can see it from outside.
There was a camera for sale in the window.
PREP
8.
When you see something in a mirror, the mirror shows an image of it.
I couldn’t bear to see my reflection in the mirror...
PREP
9.
If you are dressed in a piece of clothing, you are wearing it.
He was a big man, smartly dressed in a suit and tie.
PREP: oft -ed PREP n
10.
Something that is covered or wrapped in something else has that thing over or round its surface.
His legs were covered in mud.
PREP: oft -ed PREP n
11.
If there is something such as a crack or hole in something, there is a crack or hole on its surface.
There was a deep crack in the ceiling above him.
PREP

II. INCLUSION OR INVOLVEMENT

/ɪn/
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If something is in a book, film, play, or picture, you can read it or see it there.
Don’t stick too precisely to what it says in the book.
PREP
2.
If you are in something such as a play or a race, you are one of the people taking part.
Alf offered her a part in the play he was directing...
More than fifteen thousand people took part in the memorial service.
PREP
3.
Something that is in a group or collection is a member of it or part of it.
The New England team are the worst in the league.
PREP
4.
You use in to specify a general subject or field of activity.
...those working in the defence industry.
...future developments in medicine.
PREP

III. TIME AND NUMBERS

/ɪn/
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If something happens in a particular year, month, or other period of time, it happens during that time.
...that early spring day in April 1949...
Export orders improved in the last month...
In the evening, the people assemble in the mosques...
PREP
2.
If something happens in a particular situation, it happens while that situation is going on.
His father had been badly wounded in the last war.
...issues you struggle with in your daily life.
PREP
3.
If you do something in a particular period of time, that is how long it takes you to do it.
He walked two hundred and sixty miles in eight days.
PREP: PREP amount
4.
If something will happen in a particular length of time, it will happen after that length of time.
I’ll have some breakfast ready in a few minutes...
They’ll be back in six months.
PREP: PREP amount
5.
You use in to indicate roughly how old someone is. For example, if someone is in their fifties, they are between 50 and 59 years old.
...young people in their twenties.
PREP: PREP poss pl-num
6.
You use in to indicate roughly how many people or things do something.
...men who came there in droves...
PREP: oft PREP num
7.
You use in to express a ratio, proportion, or probability.
Last year, one in five boys left school without a qualification...
PREP: num PREP num

IV. STATES AND QUALITIES

/ɪn/
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If something or someone is in a particular state or situation, that is their present state or situation.
The economy was in trouble...
Dave was in a hurry to get back to work...
Their equipment was in poor condition...
PREP: v-link PREP n
2.
You use in to indicate the feeling or desire which someone has when they do something, or which causes them to do it.
Simpson looked at them in surprise...
Chris was weeping in anger and grief...
PREP
3.
If a particular quality or ability is in you, you naturally have it.
Violence is not in his nature...
PREP: oft PREP pron to-inf
4.
You use in when saying that someone or something has a particular quality.
He had all the qualities I was looking for in a partner...
‘I don’t agree,’ she said, surprised at the strength in her own voice...
PREP
5.
You use in to indicate how someone is expressing something.
Information is given to the patient verbally and in writing.
...lessons in languages other than Spanish.
PREP
6.
You use in in expressions such as in a row or in a ball to describe the arrangement or shape of something.
The cards need to be laid out in two rows...
Her ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line...
PREP
7.
If something is in a particular colour, it has that colour.
...white flowers edged in pink...
PREP: oft -ed PREP colour
8.
You use in to specify which feature or aspect of something you are talking about.
The movie is nearly two hours in length...
There is a big difference in the amounts that banks charge.
...a real increase in the standard of living...
PREP

V. OTHER USES AND PHRASES

Pronounced /ɪn/ for meanings 1 and 3 to 8, and /ɪn/ for meaning 2.

(ins)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If you say that something is in, or is the in thing, you mean it is fashionable or popular. (INFORMAL)
A few years ago jogging was the in thing...
ADJ
2.
You use in with a present participle to indicate that when you do something, something else happens as a result.
In working with others, you find out more about yourself.
PREP: PREP -ing
3.
If you say that someone is in for a shock or a surprise, you mean that they are going to experience it.
You might be in for a shock at the sheer hard work involved...
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n
4.
If someone has it in for you, they dislike you and try to cause problems for you. (INFORMAL)
The other kids had it in for me.
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n
5.
If you are in on something, you are involved in it or know about it.
I don’t know. I wasn’t in on that particular argument...
PREP-PHRASE: v-link PREP n, v n PREP n
6.
If you are in with a person or group, they like you and accept you, and are likely to help you. (INFORMAL)
PHRASE: PHR n
7.
You use in that to introduce an explanation of a statement you have just made.
I’m lucky in that I’ve got four sisters.
PHRASE
8.
The ins and outs of a situation are all the detailed points and facts about it.
...the ins and outs of high finance...
PHRASE: usu the PHR of n/-ing

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹in /ˈɪn, ən/ prep
1
- used to indicate location or position within something
• We went for a swim in the lake.
• They have a house in the country.
• Albuquerque is in New Mexico.
• There wasn't a cloud in the sky.
• I like to read in bed. [=while sitting or lying on my bed]
• He was wounded in the leg.
• We had to stand in line for tickets.
• Why don't you look it up in the dictionary?
• There's something in my eye. [=between my eyelid and my eyeball]
• There was fear in their eyes. [=I could tell they were afraid when I looked at their eyes]
• I held her in my arms.
• He saw his reflection in the mirror.
2 : to the inside of (a room, container, etc.)
• She went in [=into] the house.
• Don't come in here with those muddy feet!
• I threw it in [=into] the garbage.
3 a
- used to indicate that someone or something belongs to or is included as part of something
• She used to play in [=as a member of] a band.
• There are 12 in a dozen. [=a dozen is equal to 12]
b
- used to indicate the existence of something or someone within a story, movie, etc.
• a character in a story
• a scene in a movie
• He saw it in a dream.
4 a : during (a period of time, a season, etc.)
• It happened in the 1930s.
• She likes to travel in [=during] the summer.
• Call us sometime in [=during] the morning/afternoon/evening.
• They plan to open in September.
• We haven't seen them in [=for] ages!
• Back in those days, we didn't have computers.
• an important moment in history
• Never in my life have I heard such a thing!
• I lost track of them in [=during] all the commotion/confusion.
b : at the end of (a period of time)
• I'll be there in a minute.
• The movie is coming out in a few months.
• He got his degree in only three years.
c
- used to indicate an approximate age or number
• a woman in her thirties [=a woman who is between 30 and 39 years old]
• Our members number in the thousands. [=more than 2,000]
5 a
- used to indicate the method, materials, or form of something
• a note written in pencil [=using a pencil]
• a note written in French
• a symphony in (the key of) C
• The book is bound in leather.
• They were covered in mud from head to toe.
• She gave us 50 dollars in cash.
• The measurements are listed in both inches and centimeters.
• The shirts come in three sizes.
b
- used to indicate the color of something
• I decorated the room in blues and grays. [=using different shades of blue and gray]
6 a
- used to indicate the state or condition of someone or something
• We'll be in trouble if we can't get the brakes to work! [=we will experience a situation that is difficult, dangerous, etc.]
• She was in and out of trouble for many years.
• young people in love [=experiencing romantic love]
• Are you in much pain?
• I just stood there gaping in amazement.
• They're not in any danger.
b : to a specified state, condition, or form
• They were always getting in [=into] trouble.
• The vase broke in [=into] pieces.
• They divided the money in [=into] thirds.
7
- used to indicate how people or things are arranged
• They stood in a circle.
• The chairs were placed in a row.
8
- used to indicate the conditions that are around someone or something
• I found her sitting in the dark. = I found her sitting in darkness.
• Don't just stand there in the rain!
9 : while or as a result of (doing something)
• In trying to please everyone, I ended up pleasing no one.
• Many mistakes were made in planning the project.
10
- used to indicate the manner or purpose of something
• “No way!” she said in reply.
• The remark was made in jest.
• They sure left in a hurry!
• We held a banquet in his honor. [=to honor him]
• They went in search of lost treasure. [=to search for lost treasure]
• She moved to the city in hopes of finding a better job. [=with the hope that she would find a better job]
• They increased the penalties in an attempt to discourage lawbreakers.
11
- used to make a statement or description more limited or specific in meaning
• They are slow in their movements. [=their movements are slow]
• The two are alike in some ways/respects. [=they have some similarities]
• It measures two feet in length. [=it is two feet long]
• The idea works in theory, but not in practice.
• In a way, it makes sense. [=it makes sense if you consider a particular fact, idea, etc.]
12
- used to indicate the person who is being described
• We've lost a valuable employee in Mike.
• In her, you have a true friend.
13
- used to indicate the object of a belief, opinion, or feeling
• Have a little faith in them!
• Do you believe in ghosts? [=do you think ghosts are real?]
• I really don't know what she sees in him. [=I don't know why she likes/loves him]
• I have no interest in sports. [=sports do not interest me]
14
- used to indicate a job or area of activity
• She has a job in marketing.
• I hear he's in advertising. [=he has a job that involves advertising]
• She's struggling in math.
15
- used to indicate the existence of something as a part of someone's character
• He has no pity in him.
• I tried to be tough with them, but I just didn't have it in me. [=I wasn't able to be tough with them]
16 : wearing (something) as clothes
• He showed up in his best suit.
• the boy in the red jacket
• a lady in black [=a lady wearing black clothes]
17
- used to describe how common something is by comparing a smaller number to a larger number
• This condition affects one in five [=1 in 5; one out of every five] Americans.

under

under [preposition] (LOWER POSITION)

In or to a position below or lower than something else, often so that one thing covers the other

/ˈʌn.dɚ/

/ˈʌn.dər/

Example:

He hid under the bed.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

under

preposition, adverb

1 in or to a place that is lower than or below something:
The cat is under the table.
We sailed under the bridge.
The boat filled with water, then went under.

2 less than something:
If you are under 17 you are not allowed to drive a car.

3 covered by something same meaning underneath:
I'm wearing a vest under my shirt.

4 controlled by somebody or something:
The team are playing well under their new captain.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

under

un‧der S1 W1 /ˈʌndə $ -ər/ BrE AmE preposition, adverb
[Language: Old English]
1. BELOW below or at a lower level than something, or covered by something OPP over:
Wendy had hidden the box under her bed.
We sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Write your name under your picture.
I could see something glittering under the water.
He was wearing a jacket under his coat.
Under her arm, she carried a large portfolio.
In summer, we often slept under the stars.
I’d scare my mom by diving in and staying under (=staying under the water) for as long as I could.
The bench collapsed under the weight of (=unable to support the weight of) so many people.
2. LESS THAN less than a particular number, amount, age, or price OPP over:
These toys are not suitable for children under five.
Most of the events listed cost under £60.
I spend just under four hours a day seeing customers.
and/or under
Children aged 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
be under age (=be too young to legally drink, have sex etc)
3. HAVING SOMETHING DONE TO IT used to say what is being done to something or how it is being dealt with
under discussion/consideration/review etc
The possibility of employing more staff is still under discussion (=being discussed, considered etc).
All categories of expenditure are under review.
Four new power stations are currently under construction.
The port was coming under attack from enemy warships.
4. AFFECTED BY SOMETHING affected by a particular condition, influence, or situation:
She’s been under a lot of pressure at work.
under the influence of alcohol/drink/drugs etc
He was accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
The operation was carried out while she was under general anaesthetic.
I’m glad to see that you have everything under control.
Two of our national parks are currently under threat from road schemes.
The doctor injected something into my arm and I immediately felt myself going under (=becoming unconscious).
5. under ... conditions/circumstances if something happens under particular conditions, it happens when those conditions exist:
I wish I’d met him under different circumstances.
The system operates well under normal conditions.
6. LAW/AGREEMENT according to a particular agreement, law etc:
the question of whether the trade is illegal under international law
Under the terms of the agreement, the debt will be repaid over a 20-year period.
7. IN POWER if something happens under a particular leader, government etc, it happens when they are in power:
a program initiated under President Clinton and continued under President Bush
Under her leadership, the magazine’s circulation doubled in less than a year.
Would it have been different under a Labour government?
8. POSITION AT WORK if you work under someone, they have a higher position in the company, organization etc than you, and they help to direct your work:
She had a total staff of ten working under her.
From 1847 to 1851 he served under Captain John Randolph Stokes.
At Cambridge he studied under (=was a student of) F. R. Leavis.
9. WHERE INFORMATION IS used to say in which part of a book, list, or system particular information can be found
be/be filed/be listed etc under
The baby’s records are filed under the mother’s last name.
10. DIFFERENT NAME if you write or do something under a particular name, you do it using that name instead of your real name:
He made a few records under the name of Joe Ritchie.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ under something that is under something else has that thing directly above it or covering it: The pen was under the desk. | She had a T-shirt on under her sweater.
▪ below in a lower position than something else, though not always directly under it: From the cliffs we could barely see the people on the beach below us. | His apartment is below ours on the left.
▪ underneath under – used especially to emphasize that something covers, touches, or hides something: The girls wear shorts underneath their cheerleading skirts. | I found the book underneath the sofa.
▪ beneath formal under or at a lower level: They strolled hand in hand beneath the summer moon. | The water lies just beneath the surface of the earth.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

under

under preposition, adverb, adjective [ˈʌndə(r)] [ˈʌndər]

preposition
1. in, to or through a position that is below sth
• Have you looked under the bed?
• She placed the ladder under (= just lower than) the window.

• The dog squeezed under the gate and ran into the road.

2. below the surface of sth; covered by sth

• The boat lay under several feet of water.

3. less than; younger than
• an annual income of under £10 000
• It took us under an hour.

• Nobody under 18 is allowed to buy alcohol.

4. used to say who or what controls, governs or manages sb/sth
• The country is now under martial law.
• The coinage was reformed under Elizabeth I (= when she was queen).
• She has a staff of 19 working under her.

• Under its new conductor, the orchestra has established an international reputation.

5. according to an agreement, a law or a system
• Six suspects are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
• Under the terms of the lease you had no right to sublet the property.

• Is the television still under guarantee?

6. experiencing a particular process
• The hotel is still under construction.

• The matter is under investigation.

7. affected by sth
• The wall collapsed under the strain.
• I've been feeling under stress lately.
• I'm under no illusions about what hard work this will be.

• You'll be under anaesthetic, so you won't feel a thing.

8. using a particular name

• She also writes under the pseudonym of Barbara Vine.

9. found in a particular part of a book, list, etc
• If it's not under ‘sports’, try looking under ‘games’.
Word Origin:

Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch onder and German unter.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

under / ˈʌn.də r / / -dɚ / preposition (LOWER POSITION)

A1 in or to a position below or lower than something else, often so that one thing covers the other:

He hid under the bed.

In AD 79 the city of Pompei was buried under a layer of ash seven metres deep.

She put the thermometer under my tongue.

She was holding a file under her arm (= between her upper arm and the side of her chest) .

They stood under a tree (= below its branches) to avoid getting wet.

specialized If a piece of land is under a particular type of plant, that plant is growing on the whole of that area:

The main fields are under wheat.

If a book, article, or piece of information is under a particular title, you can find it below or following that title in a list, book, library, etc.:

Books on Cecil Beaton will probably be under Art or Photography rather than Drama.

Trifle? That comes under Puddings and Desserts.

under / ˈʌn.də r / / -dɚ / preposition (LESS THAN)

A2 less than:

All items cost/are under a pound.

The discount applies only to children under (the age of) ten (= younger than ten) .

If you get under 50 percent, you've failed the exam.

→ Opposite over

under / ˈʌn.də r / / -dɚ / preposition (EXPERIENCING)

B2 happening during, as a result of, or according to a particular situation, event, rule, etc.:

The work was completed under very difficult conditions.

Now that the deadline is approaching we all feel under pressure.

The chair broke under his weight (= because he was too heavy for it) .

Under the present rules, you can buy ten litres of wine.

under attack, consideration, discussion, etc. B2 in the process of being attacked, considered, discussed, etc.:

The town is under fire (= is being attacked) from the air.

The proposals are now under consideration by the Board of Governors.

The situation is still not under control .

under sedation, anaesthetic, etc. UK treated in the way mentioned:

The patient is being kept under heavy sedation.

She'll have to go under anaesthetic for the operation.

old-fashioned She's been under the doctor for a viral infection.

be under an impression/belief B2 to believe something, often wrongly:

He was under the mistaken belief that I was in charge.

under / ˈʌn.də r / / -dɚ / preposition (CONTROL)

controlled or governed by a particular person, organization, or force:

He's a Colonel, with hundreds of soldiers under him (= obeying his orders) .

I wonder what Britain was like under the Romans (= during the time when the Romans controlled Britain) .

People born under (= during the period of) the star sign Pisces are supposed to be dreamy and artistic.

be under orders to have been ordered to do something:

They're under strict orders not to discuss the situation.

He's under doctor's orders (= has been told by a doctor) to cut down on fatty food and to drink no alcohol for at least six months.

under / ˈʌn.də r / / -dɚ / preposition (NAME)

using a particular name, especially one that is not your real name:

He writes under the name (of) John le Carré.

For his own safety, he has to operate under a false name/an alias.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

under

/ʌndə(r)/

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'under' is also used in phrasal verbs such as ‘go under’ and ‘knuckle under’.

1.
If a person or thing is under something, they are at a lower level than that thing, and may be covered or hidden by it.
...swimming in the pool or lying under an umbrella...
Under a wide shelf that holds coffee jars stands a pile of magazines...
She buried her head under the covers, pretending to be asleep...
A path runs under the trees.
PREP

2.
In a place such as a sea, river, or swimming pool, if someone or something is under the water, they are fully in the water and covered by it.
They said he’d been held under the water and drowned...
Goldfish were swimming lazily in a group just under the surface.
PREP
•
Under is also an adverb.
When the water was up to his neck, a hand came from behind and pushed his head under.
ADV: ADV after v

3.
If you go under something, you move from one side to the other of something that is at a higher level than you.
He went under a brick arch...
A river boat passed under the bridge.
PREP

4.
Something that is under a layer of something, especially clothing, is covered by that layer.
I was wearing two sweaters under the green army jacket...
It was hard to see the colours under the layer of dust.
PREP

5.
You can use under before a noun to indicate that a person or thing is being affected by something or is going through a particular process.
...fishermen whose livelihoods are under threat...
I’m rarely under pressure and my co-workers are always nice to me...
Firemen said they had the blaze under control...
He was rushed to court yesterday under armed guard.
PREP

6.
If something happens under particular circumstances or conditions, it happens when those circumstances or conditions exist.
His best friend was killed by police under extremely questionable circumstances...
Under normal conditions, only about 20 to 40 per cent of vitamin E is absorbed...
PREP

7.
If something happens under a law, agreement, or system, it happens because that law, agreement, or system says that it should happen.
Under law, your employer has the right to hire a temporary worker to replace you...
Under the Constitution, you cannot be tried twice for the same crime.
PREP

8.
If something happens under a particular person or government, it happens when that person or government is in power.
There would be no new taxes under his leadership.
...the realities of life under a brutal dictatorship...
PREP

9.
If you study or work under a particular person, that person teaches you or tells you what to do.
Kiefer was just one of the artists who had studied under Beuys in the early Sixties...
I am the new manager and you will be working under me.
PREP

10.
If you do something under a particular name, you use that name instead of your real name.
Were any of your books published under the name Amanda Fairchild?...
The patient was registered under a false name.
PREP

11.
You use under to say which section of a list, book, or system something is in.
This study is described under ‘General Diseases of the Eye’...
‘Where would it be?’—‘Filed under C, second drawer down.’
PREP

12.
If something or someone is under a particular age or amount, they are less than that age or amount.
...jobs for those under 65...
Expenditure this year should be just under 15 billion pounds.
≠ over
PREP: PREP amount
•
Under is also an adverb.
...free childminding service for 5’s and under.
ADV: amount and ADV

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹un·der /ˈʌndɚ/ prep
1 : in or to a lower place than (something) : below or beneath (something) : underneath
• They couldn't climb over the wall, so they dug a hole under it.
• Draw a line under each word you don't know.
• We sat under a tree and rested a while.
• I'm wearing a sweater under my jacket.
• The ball rolled under the car.
• He had a mechanic check under the hood (of the car).
• How long can you hold your breath under water?
• There were 12 of us living under one roof. [=in one place]
2 : guided or managed by (a person or group)
• The cafe is under new management.
• The army captured three forts while under the general's command.
• She has 12 employees (working) under her.
3 : controlled or affected by (something)
• He has been under a lot of pressure/stress at work lately.
• The roof collapsed under the weight of the snow. [=the weight of the snow on the roof caused it to collapse]
• The work was done under the direction/guidance/supervision of an architect. [=an architect directed/guided/supervised the work]
• She was not under a doctor's care [=she did not have a doctor] at the time of the accident.
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol [=driving while drunk] is dangerous and illegal.
• You will be under anesthesia during the operation.
• I can't work under these conditions!
• I would never, under any circumstances, agree to do such a thing.
• The company was under no obligation [=was not obligated/required] to release the information.
• I was under the impression [=I thought] that admission was free.
4 : in a particular state or condition : affected by a particular process
• The police put her under arrest. [=the police arrested her]
• The house is under construction. [=is now being built]
• The incident is currently under investigation. [=is being investigated]
• His suggestion is still under discussion/consideration/review [=is still being discussed/considered/reviewed] by the committee.
5 : according to (something)
• Under the terms of the lease, rent will be due on the first of each month.
• They have fulfilled all their obligations under the treaty.
6 : within the group that has (a particular title or label)
• The purchase is listed under “debits.”
• Many of these foods would come under the heading (of) “delicacies” in certain parts of the world.
7
- used to say that a particular name is used to indicate something
• The table is reserved under my last name.
8 : less or lower than (a certain age, amount of money, etc.)
• All the children in the class are under the age of 14.
• We arrived in under an hour.
• You get all three items for under $10.
9 : hidden below (an outward appearance)
• Under that rough exterior, he is a kind and gentle man.

between

between [preposition, adverb]

In or into the space that separates two places, people, or objects

/bɪˈtwiːn/

Example:

The town lies halfway between Rome and Florence.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

between

preposition, adverb

1 in the space in the middle of two things or people:
The letter B comes between A and C.
I sat between Sylvie and Bruno.
I see her most weekends but not very often in between.
Look at the note at among.

2 to and from two places:
The boat sails between Dover and Calais.

3 more than one thing but less than another thing:
The meal will cost between £20 and £25.

4 after one time and before the next time:
I'll meet you between 4 and 4.30.

5 for or by two or more people or things:
We shared the cake between us (= each of us had some cake).

6 a word that you use when you compare two people or things:
What is the difference between 'some' and 'any'?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

between

be‧tween S1 W1 /bɪˈtwiːn/ BrE AmE adverb, preposition
[Language: Old English; Origin: betweonum]
1. (also in between) in or through the space that separates two things, people, or places:
I sat down between Sue and Jane.
a house and stables, with a yard in between
The ball rolled between his feet.
2. (also in between) in the time that separates two times or events:
Are there any public holidays between Christmas and Easter?
You shouldn’t eat between meals.
The team have a lot of work to do between now and Sunday.
A lot of students spend a year abroad in between school and university.
I’ve had a few jobs, with long periods of unemployment in between.
3. within a range of amounts, numbers, distances etc:
The project will cost between eight and ten million dollars.
Most of the victims were young men between the ages of 16 and 21.
4. used to say which two places are joined or connected by something:
They’re building a new road between Manchester and Sheffield.
5. used to say which people or things are involved in something together or are connected:
the long-standing friendship between Bob and Bryan
co-operation between the two countries
She had overheard a private conversation between two MPs.
the link between serious sunburn and deadly skin cancer
6. used to say which people or things get, have, or are involved in something that is shared:
Tom divided his money between his children.
Between the four of them they managed to lift her into the ambulance.
We collected £17 between us.
7. used to say which two things or people you are comparing:
the contrast between town and country life
In her book she makes a comparison between Russian and British ballet.
the difference between good music and really great music
8. between you and me (also between ourselves) spoken used before telling someone something that you do not want them to tell anyone else:
Between you and me, I think Schmidt’s about to resign.
9. come between somebody if something comes between two people, it causes an argument or problems between them:
I let my stupid pride come between us.
10. used when it is difficult to give an exact description of something and you therefore have to compare it to two things that are similar to it:
He uttered a sound that was something between a sigh and a groan.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

between

be·tween preposition, adverb [bɪˈtwiːn] [bɪˈtwiːn]

preposition
1. in or into the space separating two or more points, objects, people, etc
• Q comes between P and R in the English alphabet.
• I sat down between Jo and Diana.
• Switzerland lies between France, Germany, Austria and Italy.
• The paper had fallen down between the desk and the wall.

• (figurative) My job is somewhere between a secretary and a personal assistant.

2. in the period of time that separates two days, years, events, etc
• It's cheaper between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
• Don't eat between meals.
• Children must attend school between the ages of 5 and 16.

• Many changes took place between the two world wars.

3. at some point along a scale from one amount, weight, distance, etc. to another
• It weighed between nine and ten kilos.

• The temperature remained between 25 ° C and 30 ° C all week.

4. (of a line) separating one place from another

• the border between Sweden and Norway

5. from one place to another

• We fly between Rome and Paris twice daily.

6. used to show a connection or relationship
• a difference/distinction/contrast between two things
• a link between unemployment and crime
• There's a lot of bad feeling between them.

• I had to choose between the two jobs.

7. shared by two or more people or things
• We ate a pizza between us.

• This is just between you and me / between ourselves (= it is a secret).

8. by putting together the efforts or actions of two or more people or groups
• We ought to be able to manage it between us.

• China and India between them account for a third of the world's population.

9. ~ doing sth used to show that several activities are involved
• Between working full-time and taking care of the kids, he didn't have much time for hobbies.
Word Origin:

Old English betwēonum, from be ‘by’ + a Germanic word related to two.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

between / bɪˈtwiːn / preposition , adverb (SPACE)

A1 in or into the space that separates two places, people, or objects:

The town lies halfway between Rome and Florence.

Standing between the two adults was a small child.

She squeezed between the parked cars and ran out into the road.

There were two houses with a narrow path in between.

between / bɪˈtwiːn / preposition , adverb (AMOUNT)

A2 If something is between two amounts, it is greater than the first amount but smaller than the second:

She weighs between 55 and 60 kilograms.

The competition is open to children between six and twelve years of age.

The room was either extremely cold or hot, never anything in between (= in the middle) .

between / bɪˈtwiːn / preposition , adverb ( also in between ) (TIME)

A1 in the period of time that separates two different times or events:

You shouldn't eat between meals.

There is a break of ten minutes between classes.

The shop is closed for lunch between 12.30 and 1.30.

In between sobs, he managed to tell them what had happened.

He visits his parents every month and sometimes in between.

between / bɪˈtwiːn / preposition (SHARED)

B1 among two or more people or things:

The money was divided equally between several worthy causes.

We drank two bottles of wine between four of us.

Trade between the two countries (= their trade with each other) has increased sharply in the past year.

There is a great deal of similarity between Caroline and her mother (= they are very similar) .

between / bɪˈtwiːn / preposition (OPPOSING)

A1 A discussion, argument, or game between two or more people or groups of people involves both people or groups:

The negotiations between the union and management have broken down.

There has always been a fierce rivalry between the two clubs.

Tonight's game is between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams.

between / bɪˈtwiːn / preposition (CHOICE)

If you choose between two things, you choose one thing or the other:

You'll have to choose between a holiday or a new washing machine.

She was torn between loyalty to her father and love for her husband (= she could not decide which one to support) .

between / bɪˈtwiːn / preposition (CONNECTING)

A2 connecting two or more places, things, or people:

There is a regular train service between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The survey shows a link between asthma and air pollution.

from one place to another:

He commutes daily between Leeds and Manchester.

between / bɪˈtwiːn / preposition (SEPARATING)

A2 separating two places or things:

The wall between East and West Berlin came down in 1989.

The report states that the gap between the rich and the poor has increased dramatically over the past decade.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

between

/bɪtwi:n/

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'between' is used in a few phrasal verbs, such as ‘come between’.

1.
If something is between two things or is in between them, it has one of the things on one side of it and the other thing on the other side.
She left the table to stand between the two men...
Charlie crossed between the traffic to the far side of the street.
PREP: usu PREP pl-n

2.
If people or things travel between two places, they travel regularly from one place to the other and back again.
I spent a lot of time in the early Eighties travelling between London and Bradford.
PREP: PREP pl-n

3.
A relationship, discussion, or difference between two people, groups, or things is one that involves them both or relates to them both.
I think the relationship between patients and doctors has got a lot less personal...
There has always been a difference between community radio and commercial radio.
PREP: PREP pl-n

4.
If something stands between you and what you want, it prevents you from having it.
His sense of duty often stood between him and the enjoyment of life.
PREP: PREP n and n

5.
If something is between two amounts or ages, it is greater or older than the first one and smaller or younger than the second one.
Amsterdam is fun–a third of its population is aged between 18 and 30.
PREP: PREP num and num

6.
If something happens between or in between two times or events, it happens after the first time or event and before the second one.
The canal was built between 1793 and 1797...
PREP: PREP pl-n, PREP num and num
•
Between is also an adverb.
...a journey by jetfoil, coach and two aircraft, with a four-hour wait in Bangkok in between.
ADV: ADV with cl/group

7.
If you must choose between two or more things, you must choose just one of them.
Students will be able to choose between English, French and Russian as their first foreign language.
PREP: PREP pl-n

8.
If people or places have a particular amount of something between them, this is the total amount that they have.
The three sites employ 12,500 people between them...
PREP: PREP pron

9.
When something is divided or shared between people, they each have a share of it.
There is only one bathroom shared between eight bedrooms.
= amongst
PREP: PREP pl-n

10.
When you introduce a statement by saying ‘between you and me’ or ‘between ourselves’, you are indicating that you do not want anyone else to know what you are saying.
Between you and me, though, it’s been awful for business...
Between ourselves, I know he wants to marry her.
PHRASE: PHR with cl

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹be·tween /bɪˈtwiːn/ prep
1 : in the space that separates (two things or people)
• The ball rolled between the desk and the wall.
• He stood between his mother and his father.
• The office has two desks with a table between them.
• They put up a fence between their house and their neighbor's house.
• There are fences between all the houses.
- often used figuratively
• a book that blurs the line/boundary between fact and fiction
- often used in the phrase in between
• There are fences in between all the houses.
2 : in the time that separates (two actions, events, etc.)
• If you want to lose weight, you shouldn't eat between meals.
• Between bites of food, they talked to their teacher.
• The two days between Monday and Thursday are Tuesday and Wednesday.
• We should arrive between 9 and 10 o'clock.
- often used in the phrase in between
• You shouldn't eat in between meals.
3
- used to indicate the beginning and ending points of a group of numbers, a range of measurement, etc.
• a number between 1 and 20
• The package weighs somewhere between a pound and a pound and a half.
- sometimes used in the phrase in between
• a number in between 1 and 20
4 : in shares to each of (two or more people)
• The property was divided equally between the son and the daughter. [=the son and the daughter received an equal share of the property]
• His estate was divided between [=among] his four grandchildren.
5
- used to indicate two or more people or things that together produce a result or have an effect
• She ate two hot dogs, and he ate three hot dogs, so between them they ate five hot dogs.
• Between work and family life, she has no time for hobbies. [=because of all the time she spends on her work and family life, she has no time for hobbies]
6
- used to indicate two people or teams that are involved in a game, activity, etc.
• There's a game tonight between the Red Sox and the Yankees. [=the Red Sox are playing a game against the Yankees tonight]
7
- used to indicate two or more people or things that are joined, related, or connected in some way
• There are many relations/connections between linguistics, philosophy, and psychology.
• There is a passageway between the two rooms.
• the bond between friends
• We used to love each other, but there's nothing between us now. [=we don't love each other now]
8
- used to indicate two or more people or things that are being considered, compared, etc.
• They compared the cars but found few differences between them.
• We were allowed to choose between two/several options.
• There's not much to choose between the two cars. [=the two cars are very similar]
• There is very little difference between the two cars.
9
- used to indicate movement from one place to another place
• He flies between Miami and Chicago twice a week.
• The airline provides service between New York and Paris.
10 : known only by (two people)
• They shared a secret between them.
• (Just) Between you and me, I think he's wrong. [=I'm telling you that I think he's wrong, but you should not tell anyone else what I've told you]
• What I'm going to tell you should remain a secret (just) between us/ourselves.

across

across [preposition]

On the opposite side of

/əˈkrɑːs/

/əˈkrɒs/

Example:

The library is just across the road.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

across

adverb, preposition

1 from one side to the other side of something:
We walked across the field.
A smile spread across her face.
The river was about twenty metres across.

2 on the other side of something:
There is a bank just across the road.

which word?
Across or over? We can use across or over to mean 'on or to the other side': I ran across the road. • I ran over the road. We usually use over to talk about crossing something high: Adam climbed over the wall. With 'room' we usually use across: I walked across the room.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

across

a‧cross S1 W1 /əˈkrɒs $ əˈkrɒːs/ BrE AmE adverb, preposition
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: an crois 'in cross']
1. from one side of something to the other:
the first flight across the Atlantic
They ran straight across the road (=without stopping).
We’ll have to swim across.
We’d got halfway across before Philip realized he’d left his money at home.
We gazed across the valley.
2. towards someone or something on the other side of an area:
There’s Brendan. Why don’t you go across and say hello?
across to/at
The referee looked across at his linesman before awarding the penalty.
He walked across to where I was sitting.
3. used to say that something exists or reaches from one side of an area to the other:
a deep crack across the ceiling
the only bridge across the river
Do you think this shirt is too tight across the shoulders?
Someone’s parked right across the entrance to the driveway.
4. on the opposite side of something:
My best friend lives across the road.
He knew that just across the border lay freedom.
across (something) from somebody/something
Across the street from where we’re standing, you can see the old churchyard.
the woman sitting across from me (=opposite me) on the train
5. in every part of a country, organization etc:
a TV series that became popular across five continents
Teachers are expected to teach a range of subjects right across the curriculum.
6. used to show how wide something is
ten feet/five metres etc across
The river is 2 kilometres across.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

preposition
1. from one side to the other side of sth
• He walked across the field.
• I drew a line across the page.
• A grin spread across her face.

• Where's the nearest bridge across the river?

2. on the other side of sth

• There's a bank right across the street.

3. on or over a part of the body
• He hit him across the face.

• It's too tight across the back.

4. in every part of a place, group of people, etc.
Syn: throughout
• Her family is scattered across the country.
• This view is common across all sections of the community.
Word Origin:

[across] Middle English (as an adverb meaning ‘in the form of a cross’): from Old French a croix, en croix ‘in or on a cross’, later regarded as being from a- ‘to, towards’ + cross.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

across / əˈkrɒs / / -ˈkrɑːs / preposition

A2 on the opposite side of:

The library is just across the road.

in every part of a particular place or country:

Voting took place peacefully across most of the country.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

across

/əkrɒs, AM əkrɔ:s/

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'across' is used in phrasal verbs such as ‘come across’, ‘get across’, and ‘put across’.

1.
If someone or something goes across a place or a boundary, they go from one side of it to the other.
She walked across the floor and lay down on the bed...
He watched Karl run across the street to Tommy.
...an expedition across Africa.
PREP
•
Across is also an adverb.
Richard stood up and walked across to the window.
ADV: ADV after v

2.
If something is situated or stretched across something else, it is situated or stretched from one side of it to the other.
...the floating bridge across Lake Washington in Seattle...
He scrawled his name across the bill...
PREP
•
Across is also an adverb.
Trim toenails straight across using nail clippers.
ADV: ADV after v

3.
If something is lying across an object or place, it is resting on it and partly covering it.
She found her clothes lying across the chair...
The wind pushed his hair across his face.
= over
PREP

4.
Something that is across something such as a street, river, or area is on the other side of it.
Anyone from the houses across the road could see him...
When I saw you across the room I knew I’d met you before.
PREP
•
Across is also an adverb.
They parked across from the Castro Theatre...
ADV: ADV after v, usu ADV from n

5.
If you look across at a place, person, or thing, you look towards them.
He glanced across at his sleeping wife...
...breathtaking views across to the hills.
ADV: ADV after v, oft ADV prep

6.
You use across to say that a particular expression is shown on someone’s face.
An enormous grin spread across his face...
= over
PREP

7.
If someone hits you across the face or head, they hit you on that part.
Graham hit him across the face with the gun.
PREP

8.
When something happens across a place or organization, it happens equally everywhere within it.
The film ‘Hook’ opens across America on December 11...
PREP

9.
When something happens across a political, religious, or social barrier, it involves people in different groups.
...parties competing across the political spectrum...
across the board: see board
PREP

10.
Across is used in measurements to show the width of something.
This hand-decorated plate measures 30cm across...
ADV: amount ADV

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹across /əˈkrɑːs/ prep
1 a : from one side to the other side of (something)
• We took a ferry across the river.
• We saw them walking across the street.
• She reached across the table to shake his hand.
• They traveled back and forth across the border.
• Airplanes flew across the sky above us.
• She slapped him right across the face. [=she slapped his face]
b : on the other side of (something)
• He was seated across the table from me.
• Our grandparents live across the street (from us).
• The accident happened just across the state line.
2 : so as to reach or spread over or throughout (something)
• A smile spread across her face.
• Looking out across the ocean, he saw land.
• The sun's light spread across the mountains.
• The disease spread quickly across the country.
3 : in every part of (a country, region, etc.)
• The movie is now showing in theaters across [=throughout] America.
• Newspapers (all) across the world reported the story.
• We could hear the bells all across town.

American English

British English

through - across - opposite and against

A2 (Elementary)

preposition

on

on [preposition] (ABOVE)

Used to show that something is in a position above something else and touching it, or that something is moving into such a position

/ɑːn/

/ɒn/

Example:

The book is on the table.

كتاب‌ روى ميز است‌.‏

Oxford Essential Dictionary

preposition, adverb

1 used for showing where something is:
Your book is on the table.
The number is on the door.
There is a good film on TV tonight.
I've got a cut on my hand.

2 used for showing when:
My birthday is on 6 May.
I'll see you on Monday.
Look at Study Page S8.

3 used with ways of travelling and types of travel:
He got on the train.
I came here on foot (= walking).

4 used for showing that somebody or something continues:
You can't stop here – drive on.

5 working; being used:
All the lights were on.
opposite off

6 using something:
I bought it on the Internet.
I was on the phone to Jania.
He saw it on TV.

7 about:
a book on cars

8 covering your body:
Put your coat on.

9 happening:
What's on at the cinema?

10 when something happens:
She telephoned me on her return from New York.

on and on without stopping:
He went (= talked) on and on about his girlfriend.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

I. on¹ S1 W1 /ɒn $ ɑːn, ɒːn/ BrE AmE preposition
[Language: Old English]
1. ON A SURFACE
a) touching a surface or being supported by a surface:
Leave your things on the table over there.
People were sunbathing on the grass.
The little girl was sitting on her father’s shoulders.
b) used to say that someone or something moves so that they are then touching or supported by a surface:
snow falling on the mountainsides
He threw himself on the bed.
2. SUPPORTING YOUR BODY used to say what part of someone’s body is touching the ground or another surface and supporting their weight:
She was on her feet in no time.
He was on his hands and knees searching for something.
Can you stand on your head?
3. PART HIT/TOUCHED used to say what part of someone or something is hit or touched:
I wanted to punch him on the nose.
Matt kissed her on the cheek.
4. WRITTEN/SHOWN used to say where something is written or shown:
There’s a diagram on page 25.
He wrote his phone number on a piece of paper.
5. ATTACHED attached to or hanging from something:
She hung her coat on a hook.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
6. PLACE in a particular place:
The town is right on the border.
Is there a water supply on the island?
He grew up on a ranch in California.
a store on Fifth Avenue
7. POSITION in a particular position in relation to something else:
You’ll see the school on your left.
They live on the opposite side of the town.
8. LOOKING/POINTING looking or pointing towards something or someone:
His eyes were on the stranger standing in the doorway.
She trained her binoculars on the house.
9. DAY/DATE during a particular day:
They’ll be here on Tuesday.
I was born on July 1st.
We’ll see you on Christmas Eve.
GRAMMAR
Do not use on before 'this', 'last', or 'next' and a day of the week:
▪ The school reopened last Tuesday (NOT on last Tuesday).
10. AFFECTING/RELATING TO affecting or relating to someone or something:
a tax on cigarettes
his influence on young people
There will be new restrictions on the sale of weapons.
What effect will these changes have on the tourist industry?
11. ABOUT about a particular subject:
Do you have any books on India?
You can get information on local services by calling this number.
an international conference on global warming
12. ORDERS/ADVICE as a result of someone’s order, request, or advice:
He was killed on the King’s orders.
I accepted the offer on the advice of my lawyer.
13. EAT/DRINK used to talk about what someone usually eats or drinks:
They live mainly on beans, lentils, and rice.
Is your baby on solid food yet?
14. TRANSPORT
a) in or into a bus, train, plane etc OPP off:
Did you manage to sleep on the plane?
Tommy should be on the six o'clock train.
She got on the first bus that came along.
b) riding something:
a statue of the King on horseback
I’ll probably come on my bike.
15. MONEY receiving money for a job or as a regular payment:
He’s on quite a good salary now.
She must be on at least £50,000 a year.
the difficulties faced by families on low incomes
16. FUEL using a particular type of ↑fuel or power:
Most buses run on diesel.
Does it work on mains electricity?
17. MEDICINE/DRUGS taking a particular drug or medicine regularly OPP off:
Are you still on antibiotics?
The doctor put her on Prozac.
A lot of these kids are on heroin by the age of 12.
18. what’s somebody on? spoken used to say that someone is behaving in a very strange way, as if they are taking an illegal drug
19. USING EQUIPMENT using a machine or piece of equipment:
He’s been on the computer all afternoon.
Is Rachel still on the phone?
20. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS playing a musical instrument:
He played a short piece on the piano.
The album features Rick Wakeman on keyboards.
21. RADIO/TELEVISION being broadcast by radio or television:
What’s on TV tonight?
Did you hear that programme on the radio last night?
22. RECORDED used to say in what form information is stored or music, films etc are recorded:
The movie is now available on video and DVD.
I always keep a backup copy on disk.
23. ACTIVITY/JOURNEY taking part in an activity or travelling somewhere:
She’s on a course all this week.
I met him on vacation in Canada.
My girlfriend is often away on business trips.
24. INCLUDED included in a group or team of people or in a list:
Are you still on the management committee?
Mr Edwards is no longer on the staff here.
Whose team are you on?
There was no steak on the menu.
What’s the next item on the agenda?
25. WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS formal as soon as someone has done something or as soon as something has happened:
Couples are presented with a bottle of wine on their arrival at the hotel.
All patients are examined on admission to the hospital.
on doing something
What was your reaction on seeing him?
26. COMPARED WITH SOMETHING compared with another person or thing:
This essay is a definite improvement on your last one.
Sales are 10% up on last year.
27. CARRYING SOMETHING informal if you have something on you, you have it in your pocket, your bag etc:
I don’t have any money on me.
28. PAY be on somebody spoken used to say who is going to pay for something:
The drinks are on me!
Each table will get a bottle of champagne on the house (=paid for by the restaurant, hotel etc).
29. TELEPHONE NUMBER used to say what number you should use in order to telephone someone SYN at American English:
You can contact me on this number.
30. CAUSING SOMEBODY PROBLEMS used when something bad happens to you, for example when something you are using suddenly stops working, or someone you have a relationship with suddenly leaves you:
Suddenly the telephone went dead on me.
Dorothy’s first husband walked out on her.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ about used when saying what the subject of something is: She’s always talking about you. | In her novels she writes about life in South Africa. | There’s something I wanted to ask you about.
▪ on about a particular subject: a book on English grammar | a report on poverty in rural areas
▪ concerning/regarding formal about: Prince Saiid answered questions concerning Kuwait’s future. | The report raises a number of questions regarding food safety.
▪ with regard to formal about – used especially when you want to start talking or writing about something: Dear Sir, I’m writing with regard to your advertisement in The Times.
▪ re used in business letters and in emails to introduce the subject that you are going to write about: Re: Friday’s meeting

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

on preposition, adverb [ɒn] [ɑːn] [ɔːn]

preposition For the special uses of on in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example turn on sb is in the phrasal verb section at turn.
1. in or into a position covering, touching or forming part of a surface
• a picture on a wall
• There's a mark on your skirt.
• the diagram on page 5
• Put it down on the table.
• He had been hit on the head.
• She climbed on to the bed. This could also be written

• onto the bed

2. supported by sb/sth
• She was standing on one foot.
• Try lying on your back.

• Hang your coat on that hook.

3. used to show a means of transport
• He was on the plane from New York.
• to travel on the bus/tube/coach
• I came on my bike.

• a woman on horseback

4. used to show a day or date
• He came on Sunday.
• We meet on Tuesdays.
• on May the first/the first of May
• on the evening of May the first
• on one occasion

• on your birthday

5. immediately after sth
• On arriving home I discovered they had gone.
• Please report to reception on arrival.

• There was a letter waiting for him on his return.

6. about sth/sb
• a book on South Africa

• She tested us on irregular verbs.

7. being carried by sb; in the possession of sb

• Have you got any money on you?

8. used to show that sb belongs to a group or an organization
• to be on the committee/staff/jury/panel

• Whose side are you on (= which of two or more different views do you support)?

9. eating or drinking sth; using a drug or a medicine regularly
• He lived on a diet of junk food.

• The doctor put me on antibiotics.

10. used to show direction
• on the left/right

• He turned his back on us.

11. at or near a place
• a town on the coast
• a house on the Thames

• We lived on an estate.

12. used to show the basis or reason for sth
• a story based on fact

• On their advice I applied for the job.

13. paid for by sth
• to live on a pension/a student grant
• to be on a low wage
• You can't feed a family on £50 a week.

• Drinks are on me (= I am paying).

14. by means of sth; using sth
• She played a tune on her guitar.
• The information is available on the Internet.
• We spoke on the phone.
• What's on TV?

• The programme's on Channel 4.

15. used with some nouns or adjectives to say who or what is affected by sth
• a ban on smoking
• He's hard on his kids.

• Go easy on the mayo! (= do not take / give me too much)

16. compared with sb/sth

• Sales are up on last year.

17. used to describe an activity or a state
• to be on business/holiday/vacation

• The book is currently on loan.

18. used when giving a telephone number
• You can get me on 020 7946 0887.
• She's on extension 2401.
Word Origin:
Old English on, an, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch aan and German an, from an Indo-European root shared by Greek ana.

Idioms: it isn't on ▪ on about something ▪ on and on ▪ on at somebody ▪ on for something ▪ what are you on? ▪ you're on

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (ABOVE)

A1 used to show that something is in a position above something else and touching it, or that something is moving into such a position:

Look at all the books on your desk!

Ow, you're standing on my foot!

Your suitcase is on top of the wardrobe.

They live in that old farmhouse on the hill.

I got on my bike and left.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (CONNECTED)

A1 covering the surface of, being held by, or connected to something:

You've got blood on your shirt.

Which finger do you wear your ring on?

Can you stand on your head?

We could hang this picture on the wall next to the door.

Dogs should be kept on their leads at all times.

UK We've just moved house and we're not on the phone (= not connected to the phone service) yet.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (TIME)

A1 used to show when something happens:

Many shops don't open on Sundays.

What are you doing on Friday?

My birthday's on 30 May .

Would you mind telling me what you were doing on the afternoon of Friday the 13th of March?

Trains to London leave on the hour (= at exactly one o'clock, two o'clock, etc.) .

On a clear day you can see the mountains from here.

She was dead on arrival (= dead when she arrived) at the hospital.

Please hand in your keys at reception on your departure from (= when you leave) the hotel.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (WRITING)

A2 used to show where something has been written, printed, or drawn:

Which page is that curry recipe on?

His initials were engraved on the back of his watch.

What's on the menu tonight? (= What food is available?)

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (TRAVEL)

A2 used for showing some methods of travelling:

I love travelling on trains.

She'll be arriving on the 5.30 train.

We went to France on the ferry.

It'd be quicker to get there on foot .

two figures on horseback

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (PROCESS)

used to show that a condition or process is being experienced:

He accidentally set his bed on fire .

Their flights to Paris are on special offer at the moment.

Martin's on holiday this week.

I'll be away on a training course next week.

I often feel carsick when I'm on a long journey.

Crime is on the increase (= is increasing) again.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (RECORDING)

A2 used to show the form in which something is recorded or performed:

How much data can you store on the disk?

When's the movie coming out on DVD?

I was really embarrassed the first time I saw myself on film.

What's on television tonight?

I wish there was more jazz on the radio.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (PAIN)

B2 used to show what causes pain or injury as a result of being touched:

I hit my head on the shelf as I was standing up.

You'll cut yourself on that knife if you're not careful.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (TO)

A2 to or towards:

Our house is the first on the left after the post office.

The attack on the village lasted all night.

I wish you wouldn't creep up on me like that!

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (RELATING)

B1 relating to:

a book on pregnancy

Her thesis is on Italian women's literature.

The minister has refused to comment on the allegations.

Criticism has no effect on him.

Have the police got anything on you (= have they got any information about you that can be used against you) ?

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (MONEY)

A2 used to show something for which a payment is made:

He spent £80 on a hat.

I've wasted a lot of money on this car.

We made a big profit on that deal.

How much interest are you paying on the loan?

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (NECESSARY)

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.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (INVOLVEMENT)

used to show when someone is involved or taking part in something:

I'm working on a new book.

In the last lesson we were on the causes of the First World War, weren't we?

"Where had we got up to?" "We were on page 42."

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

used to show what is providing financial support or an income:

I've only got £50 a week to live on at the moment.

He retired on a generous pension from the company.

UK She's on (= earning) £25,000 a year.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (FOOD/FUEL/DRUG)

B2 used to show something that is used as food, fuel, or a drug:

What do mice live on?

Does this radio run on batteries?

Is he on drugs?

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (NEXT TO)

B1 next to or along the side of:

Cambridge is on the River Cam.

Our house was on Sturton Street.

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (MEMBER)

C1 used to show when someone is a member of a group or organization:

Have you ever served on a jury?

There are no women on the committee.

How many people are on your staff?

She's a researcher on a women's magazine.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (TOOL)

B1 used when referring to a tool, instrument, or system that is used to do something:

I do all my household accounts on computer.

Chris is on drums and Mike's on bass guitar.

I'm on (= talking on) the phone.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition literary (AGAIN)

used to show when something is repeated one or more times:

The government suffered defeat on defeat in the local elections.

Wave on wave of refugees has crossed the border to escape the fighting.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (COMPARISON)

used when making a comparison:

£950 is my final offer, and I can't improve on it.

The productivity figures are down/up on last week's.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition [ before pronoun ] (POSSESSION)

C2 used to show when someone has something with them in their pocket or in a bag that they are carrying:

Have you got a spare pen on you?

I haven't got my driving licence on me.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (AFTER)

happening after and usually because of:

Acting on information given to them anonymously, the police arrested him.

He inherited a quarter of a million pounds on his mother's death.

On their return they discovered that their house had been burgled.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition informal (PAYMENT)

used to show who is paying for something:

This meal is on me.

She had her operation done on the National Health Service.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (FAULTY)

used to show who suffers when something does not operate as it should:

The phone suddenly went dead on me.

Their car broke down on them in the middle of the motorway.

on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition UK (POINTS)

used to show the number of points a person or team has in a competition:

Clive's team is on five points while Joan's is on seven.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

The preposition is pronounced /ɒn/. The adverb and the adjective are pronounced /ɒn/.

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'on' is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. 'On' is also used in phrasal verbs such as ‘keep on’, ‘cotton on’, and ‘sign on’.

1.
If someone or something is on a surface or object, the surface or object is immediately below them and is supporting their weight.
He is sitting beside her on the sofa...
On top of the cupboards are vast straw baskets which Pat uses for dried flower arrangements...
On the table were dishes piled high with sweets...
PREP

2.
If something is on a surface or object, it is stuck to it or attached to it.
I admired the peeling paint on the ceiling...
The clock on the wall showed one minute to twelve...
There was a smear of gravy on his chin.
PREP
•
On is also an adverb.
I know how to darn, and how to sew a button on.
ADV: ADV after v

3.
If you put, throw, or drop something on a surface, you move it or drop it so that it is then supported by the surface.
He got his winter jacket from the closet and dropped it on the sofa...
He threw a folded dollar on the counter.
= onto
PREP

4.
You use on to say what part of your body is supporting your weight.
He continued to lie on his back and look at clouds...
He raised himself on his elbows, squinting into the sun...
She was on her hands and knees in the bathroom.
PREP

5.
You use on to say that someone or something touches a part of a person’s body.
He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the mouth...
His jaw was broken after he was hit on the head.
PREP

6.
If someone has a particular expression on their face, their face has that expression.
The maid looked at him, a nervous smile on her face...
She looked at him with a hurt expression on her face.
PREP: n PREP n

7.
When you put a piece of clothing on, you place it over part of your body in order to wear it. If you have it on, you are wearing it.
He put his coat on while she opened the front door...
I had a hat on.
ADV: ADV after v

8.
You can say that you have something on you if you are carrying it in your pocket or in a bag.
I didn’t have any money on me...
PREP: PREP pron

9.
If someone’s eyes are on you, they are looking or staring at you.
Everyone’s eyes were fixed on him...
It’s as if all eyes are focused on me...
PREP

10.
If you hurt yourself on something, you accidentally hit a part of your body against it and that thing causes damage to you.
Mr Pendle hit his head on a wall as he fell...
PREP

11.
If you are on an area of land, you are there.
You lived on the farm until you came back to America?
...a tall tree on a mountain.
PREP

12.
If something is situated on a place such as a road or coast, it forms part of it or is by the side of it.
Bergdorf Goodman has opened a men’s store on Fifth Avenue...
The hotel is on the coast...
He visited relatives at their summer house on the river.
PREP

13.
If you get on a bus, train, or plane, you go into it in order to travel somewhere. If you are on it, you are travelling in it.
We waited till twelve and we finally got on the plane...
I never go on the bus into the town...
PREP
•
On is also an adverb.
He showed his ticket to the conductor and got on.
ADV: ADV after v

14.
If there is something on a piece of paper, it has been written or printed there.
The writing on the back of the card was cramped but scrupulously neat...
The numbers she put on the chart were 98.4, 64, and 105...
PREP

15.
If something is on a list, it is included in it.
The Queen now doesn’t even appear on the list of the 40 richest people in Britain.
...the range of topics on the agenda for their talks.
PREP

16.
Books, discussions, or ideas on a particular subject are concerned with that subject.
They offer a free counselling service which can offer help and advice on legal matters...
He declined to give any information on the Presidential election...
PREP

17.
You use on to introduce the method, principle, or system which is used to do something.
...a television that we bought on credit two months ago.
...a levelling system which acts on the same principle as a spirit level...
They want all groups to be treated on an equal basis.
PREP

18.
If something is done on an instrument or a machine, it is done using that instrument or machine.
...songs that I could just sit down and play on the piano...
I could do all my work on the computer...
PREP

19.
If information is, for example, on tape or on computer, that is the way that it is stored.
‘I thought it was a load of rubbish.’—‘Right we’ve got that on tape.’...
Descriptions of the pieces have been logged on computer by the Art Loss Register...
PREP

20.
If something is being broadcast, you can say that it is on the radio or television.
Every sporting event on television and satellite over the next seven days is listed...
Here, listen, they’re talking about it on Radio-Paris right now.
PREP
•
On is also an adjective.
...teenagers complaining there’s nothing good on.
ADJ: v-link ADJ

21.
When an activity is taking place, you can say that it is on.
There’s a marvellous match on at Wimbledon at the moment...
We in Berlin hardly knew a war was on during the early part of 1941.
ADJ: v-link ADJ

22.
You use on in expressions such as ‘have a lot on’ and ‘not have very much on’ to indicate how busy someone is. (SPOKEN)
I have a lot on in the next week.
ADV: ADV after v, amount ADV

23.
You use on to introduce an activity that someone is doing, particularly travelling.
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise...
Students on the full-time course of study are usually sponsored...
PREP

24.
When something such as a machine or an electric light is on, it is functioning or in use. When you switch it on, it starts functioning.
The central heating’s been turned off. I’ve turned it on again...
The light had been left on...
He didn’t bother to switch on the light.
≠ off
ADV: be ADV, ADV after v

25.
If you are on a committee or council, you are a member of it.
Claire and Beryl were on the organizing committee...
He was on the Council of Foreign Relations.
PREP

26.
You can indicate when something happens by saying that it happens on a particular day or date.
This year’s event will take place on June 19th, a week earlier than usual...
She travels to Korea on Monday...
I was born on Christmas day...
Dr. Keen arrived about seven on Sunday morning.
PREP

27.
You use on when mentioning an event that was followed by another one.
She waited in her hotel to welcome her children on their arrival from London...
On reaching Dubai the evacuees are taken straight to Dubai international airport.
PREP: PREP n/-ing

28.
You use on to say that someone is continuing to do something.
They walked on in silence for a while...
If the examination shows your company enjoys basically good health, read on...
He happened to be in England when the war broke out and he just stayed on.
ADV: ADV after v

29.
If you say that someone goes on at you, you mean that they continually criticize you, complain to you, or ask you to do something.
She’s been on at me for weeks to show her round the stables...
He used to keep on at me about the need to win...
ADV: be ADV, ADV after v, usu ADV at n

30.
You use on in expressions such as from now on and from then on to indicate that something starts to happen at the time mentioned and continues to happen afterwards.
Perhaps it would be best not to see much of you from now on...
We can expect trouble from this moment on...
ADV: from n ADV

31.
You often use on after the adverbs ‘early’, ‘late’, ‘far’, and their comparative forms, especially at the beginning or end of a sentence, or before a preposition.
The market square is a riot of colour and animation from early on in the morning...
Later on I learned how to read music...
The pub where I had arranged to meet Nobby was a good five minutes walk further on.
ADV: adv ADV

32.
Someone who is on a drug takes it regularly.
She was on antibiotics for an eye infection that wouldn’t go away...
Many of the elderly are on medication.
PREP

33.
If you live on a particular kind of food, you eat it. If a machine runs on a particular kind of power or fuel, it uses it in order to function.
The caterpillars feed on a wide range of trees, shrubs and plants...
He lived on a diet of water and tinned fish...
...making and selling vehicles that run on batteries or fuel-cells.
= off
PREP: v PREP n

34.
If you are on a particular income, that is the income that you have.
He’s on three hundred a week...
You won’t be rich as an MP, but you’ll have enough to live on.
PREP

35.
Taxes or profits that are obtained from something are referred to as taxes or profits on it.
...a general strike to protest a tax on food and medicine last week...
The Church was to receive a cut of the profits on every record sold...
PREP: n PREP n

36.
When you buy something or pay for something, you spend money on it.
I resolved not to waste money on a hotel...
He spent more on feeding the dog than he spent on feeding himself...
More money should be spent on education and housing.
PREP: PREP n/-ing

37.
When you spend time or energy on a particular activity, you spend time or energy doing it.
People complain about how children spend so much time on computer games...
...the opportunity to concentrate more time and energy on America’s domestic agenda.
PREP: PREP n/-ing

38.
If you say that something is not on or is just not on, you mean that it is unacceptable or impossible. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)
We shouldn’t use the police in that way. It’s just not on.
PHRASE: v-link PHR

39.
If you say that something happens on and on, you mean that it continues to happen for a very long time.
...designers, builders, fitters–the list goes on and on...
Lobell drove on and on through the dense and blowing snow.
...a desert of ice stretching on and on.
PHRASE: usu PHR after v

40.
If you ask someone what they are on about or what they are going on about, you are puzzled because you cannot understand what they are talking about. (BRIT INFORMAL)
What on earth are you going on about?...
Honest, Kate, I don’t know what you’re on about.
PHRASE: V inflects

41.
If you say that someone knows what they are on about, you are confident that what they are saying is true or makes sense, for example because they are an expert. (BRIT INFORMAL)
It looks like he knows what he’s on about.
PHRASE: Vs inflect

42.
If someone has something on you, they have evidence that you have done something wrong or bad. If they have nothing on you, they cannot prove that you have done anything wrong or bad. (INFORMAL)
He may have something on her. He may have supplied her with drugs, and then threatened to tell if she didn’t do this...
You’ve got nothing on me and you know it. Your theory would never stand up in a court of law.
PHRASE: V inflects

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹on /ˈɑːn/ prep
1 a : touching and being supported by the top surface of (something)
• The book is (lying) on the table.
• There is a lot of frosting on the cake.
b : to a position that is supported by (something)
• You can get on [=onto] the horse as soon as we've put the saddle on it.
• I climbed out on [=onto] the roof.
c
- used to indicate the part or object by which someone or something is supported
• How long can you stand on one foot?
• He stood on the stool.
• He was on his hands and knees looking for her earring.
2
- used to say that something is attached to something
• He hung the painting on the wall.
• Apples hung on the branches.
3
- used to indicate where someone or something is hit or touched
• I bumped my head on a low branch.
• He slapped me on the hand.
• She kissed him on the cheek.
4 a
- used to indicate the surface or part where something is seen or located
• There are marks on the wall.
• I have a cut on my finger.
b
- used to say that something (such as jewelry) is being worn by someone
• the ring on her finger
5 : near or close to (something or someone)
• a village on [=by] the sea
6
- used to indicate the location or position of something or someone
• Our house is on the left.
• There is a garden on the side of the house.
• We saw cows and chickens on the farm.
• He lives on Main Street.
• on page 102 in/of the book
• Which side is it on?
7
- used to indicate the time when something happened or will happen
• We met on July 24th.
• On my way home [=while I was going home], I saw a car accident.
• (formal) On the morning of July 24th, the suspect left his house at 8:15 a.m.
• I would like the report on or before July 24th.
• The TV station gives news every hour on the hour. [=at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, etc.]
• The project was finished on schedule/time. [=when it was supposed to be finished]
8 : immediately after (something)
• What was your first reaction on hearing the news? [=when you heard the news]
• You'll be required to pay on delivery of the package. [=when the package is delivered]
9
- used to indicate the subject of something
• a book on [=about] North American birds
• a discussion on current events
• Let's reflect on [=upon] the poem for a moment.
• a test on parts of speech
10 a
- used to indicate the device or instrument that is used to do something
• He played a couple songs on the piano.
• He cut his foot on a piece of broken glass.
b
- used to say that someone is using a telephone, computer, etc.
• They talked on the phone for hours.
• She was on the phone when I went to her office.
• He has been on the computer all night.
c
- used to describe the device, system, etc., that is used for seeing something, hearing something, etc.
• It's the best show on television.
• I heard that song on the radio.
• the display on the computer screen
• a Web site on the Internet
• I have the movie on DVD.
11
- used to indicate a source of something (such as money, food, information, or energy)
• She lives on a small salary.
• The family lives on welfare.
• They make their living on [=off] tourism.
• They profited on [=from] the sale of the house.
• The animal feeds on insects.
• I lived on cereal [=I ate a lot of cereal regularly] in my college years.
• The machine runs on diesel fuel.
• The story is based on fact.
12
- used to indicate the vehicle or animal by which someone or something is moved from one place to another
• I sometimes go to work on a bus. [=I sometimes take a bus to get to work]
• Have you ever ridden on a horse?
13
- used to say that you have something in your possession at a particular time
• I only have $10 on me.
• He had a knife on him.
14
- used to indicate the state of something
• The house is on fire!
• House sales are on the rise. [=are rising]
• All shoes are on sale.
15
- used to indicate an activity that someone did or is now doing
• She did well on the exam/test.
• The band is currently on tour.
• He is off/away on a trip/vacation.
• She is on a diet.
• The officers are on duty.
16
- used to indicate something (such as a medicine or drug) that a person or animal is using
• He used to be on drugs, but he's off them now.
• (informal) What (drugs) is she on?
• They put the dog on antibiotics.
17
- used to indicate the person or thing that is responsible for something
• The drinks are on me. [=I will pay for the drinks]
• They blamed it on me. [=they said it was my fault]
18 a
- used to indicate the person or thing that something is directed toward
• The deadline was creeping up on us. [=the deadline was getting closer]
• an attack on religion
• He is working on [=at] his skiing.
• They are still working on the problem.
• They made a down payment on the house.
• He pulled a gun on me.
• He turned his back on her and walked away.
• a ban on smoking
• Her eyes were on the road. [=she was watching the road]
b
- used to say that someone has been affected by something
• The crops died on them.
• Her husband walked out on her.
19
- used after an adjective to indicate the thing that a statement relates to
• I am short on cash. [=I don't have much cash]
• Opinions are divided on this issue.
• (Brit) Sales are up on last year's but down on those of previous years.
20 : as stated or shown by (someone or something)
• I have it on good authority [=a trustworthy person has told me] that the company will be relocating.
• (Brit) On [=according to] these estimates, we'll be out of debt soon.
21
- used to indicate that someone or something is included as part of a team, list, etc.
• She served on the jury/committee/board.
• He is on the team.
• That dish is no longer on the menu.
• His name was on the list.
22
- used to say that someone or something has an advantage
• She has three inches in height on me. [=she is three inches taller than I am]
• The team has a 3-game lead on last year's champions.
• She is very talented but has nothing on [=has no advantage over] her brother who is an even better singer.
23 chiefly US
- used to say that someone is playing or performing well
• He is on his game. [=he is playing very well]
on about Brit informal + disapproving : talking about
• I haven't a clue what you're on about!
• She is always on about the importance of exercise.
on at Brit informal
1 : asking (someone) for something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
• She is always on at him for money.
2 : asking or telling (someone) to do something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
• Mummy's always on at me about cleaning up my room!
on it : actively dealing with a problem, job, etc.
• “We need to get this paperwork done.” “Don't worry; I'm on it.” [=I am taking care of it]

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preposition