Old English · word
on
on, in
Forms
- on
- an — An Old English variant, especially in unstressed use.
- a- — Developed from an unstressed form in some English words.
Origin
Proto-Germanic *ana, ‘on.’
Note
An initial a- can preserve an old preposition rather than express negation.
Words sharing this root
abackBackward or toward the rear.abackInto a state of surprise or shock.abaftToward a ship's stern or farther toward it than something else aboard.aboutFacing or moving in the opposite direction.aboutIn or around a place.aboutOn the subject of something.aboutClose to a stated amount or value.aboutOn the point of doing something.aboveAt or toward a position higher than something else.abroadAway from one's home or home country.afieldAway from one's usual place or area of activity.afloatRemaining on the surface of water without sinking.againstIn resistance or opposition to something.againstIn comparison with something.againstIn contact with a surface.alikeThe same or similar to one another.aliveLiving and capable of active response.amidIn the middle of or surrounded by something.amongWithin a group of people or things.asleepIn or into a state of sleep.asunderApart into separate pieces or positions.awayAt a distance from a present or usual place.awayContinuously or steadily.liveActive and capable of operating at the present moment.onlineConnected to or operating through the internet or another network.thereonOn that thing or surface.thereonImmediately after that event or statement.uponOn or onto something.uponAt the time of or immediately after something.