What's the difference between after and on?

After


Definition:

  • (prep.) Behind in place; as, men in line one after another.
  • (prep.) Below in rank; next to in order.
  • (a.) Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
  • (a.) Hinder; nearer the rear.
  • (a.) To ward the stern of the ship; -- applied to any object in the rear part of a vessel; as the after cabin, after hatchway.
  • (prep.) Later in time; subsequent; as, after supper, after three days. It often precedes a clause. Formerly that was interposed between it and the clause.
  • (prep.) Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
  • (prep.) Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
  • (prep.) Moving toward from behind; following, in search of; in pursuit of.
  • (prep.) Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
  • (prep.) In imitation of; in conformity with; after the manner of; as, to make a thing after a model; a picture after Rubens; the boy takes after his father.
  • (prep.) According to; in accordance with; in conformity with the nature of; as, he acted after his kind.
  • (prep.) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
  • (adv.) Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.

Example Sentences:

On


Definition:

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

Example Sentences: