Pronunciation: /ɒn ɛnd/

Definitions of on end

noun a continuous period of time

Example Sentences

A1 I stacked the books on end to save space on the shelf.

A2 The cups were lined up on end along the edge of the table.

B1 The dominoes were set up on end in a long row, ready to be knocked over.

B2 She balanced the broom on end against the wall while she swept the floor.

C1 The skyscraper stood tall, with its windows gleaming in the sunlight, seemingly on end.

C2 The artist created a stunning sculpture of a dancer frozen in motion, seemingly on end.

adverb continuously or without stopping

Example Sentences

A1 The cat slept on end on the windowsill.

A2 She stacked the books on end on the shelf.

B1 The bottles were lined up on end on the counter.

B2 The soldiers stood on end in formation.

C1 The skyscrapers stretched on end into the sky.

C2 The dominoes fell on end in a perfect line.

preposition indicating the position or location of something in relation to something else

Example Sentences

A1 I stacked the books on end to save space on the shelf.

A2 The cups were lined up on end along the edge of the table.

B1 She balanced the broom on end against the wall.

B2 The bottles were stored on end in the wine cellar.

C1 The skyscraper stood tall, its windows gleaming in the sunlight, one on end.

C2 The artist created a stunning sculpture using metal rods placed on end.

Examples of on end in a Sentence

formal The books were stacked neatly on end on the shelf.

informal She stood on end when she heard the news.

slang I can't believe he left me hanging on end like that.

figurative The suspense had me on end waiting for the final reveal.

Grammatical Forms of on end

past tense

ended

plural

ends

comparative

more on end

superlative

most on end

present tense

on end

future tense

will be on end

perfect tense

have been on end

continuous tense

is being on end

singular

on end

positive degree

on end

infinitive

to be on end

gerund

being on end

participle

on ending

Origin and Evolution of on end

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'on end' originated from Old English, where 'end' referred to a limit or boundary.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'on end' evolved to mean continuously or without stopping, reflecting a shift in usage from a physical boundary to a temporal duration.