turn on (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Turn on" is a phrasal verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈtɜrn ɒn/

Meaning and Usage

The phrase "turn on" has several meanings based on the context in which it is used:

1. To activate a device or piece of equipment.
2. To excite or attract someone in a sexual or emotional way.
3. To change one's attitude or behavior towards something or someone abruptly.

Frequency of Use
"Turn on" is commonly used in both oral speech and written contexts. It tends to be particularly frequent in conversational settings, especially when discussing technology or emotional responses.

Example Sentences

1. Please turn on the lights; I can't see anything.

2. (Por favor, enciende las luces; no puedo ver nada.)

3. He knows how to turn on her charm to win her over.

4. (Él sabe cómo encender su encanto para ganársela.)

5. The sudden announcement turned on a wave of protests.

6. (El anuncio repentino desató una ola de protestas.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"Turn on" is featured in a variety of idiomatic expressions, often associated with sudden changes or activation.

1. Turn on (someone): To reveal one's true feelings towards them.
2. "I didn’t mean to turn on you during the meeting."

3. (No quise volverme en tu contra durante la reunión.)

4. Turn on the charm: To deliberately behave in a charming way.

5. "He always knows how to turn on the charm when meeting new clients."

6. (Él siempre sabe cómo encender su encanto al conocer nuevos clientes.)

7. Turn on its head: To radically change the way something is understood.

8. "The new research could turn our understanding of the disease on its head."

9. (La nueva investigación podría cambiar nuestra comprensión de la enfermedad.)

10. Turn on a dime: To change direction quickly or abruptly.

11. "The car can turn on a dime, making it perfect for the city."

12. (El coche puede girar rápidamente, lo que lo hace perfecto para la ciudad.)

13. Turn on the heat: To increase the intensity or pressure in a situation.

14. "We need to turn on the heat if we want to finish this project on time."
15. (Necesitamos aumentar la presión si queremos terminar este proyecto a tiempo.)

Etymology

The verb "turn" comes from the Old English "turnian," meaning to rotate or change position. The preposition "on" indicates activation, hence the phrasal verb "turn on" implies initiating or activating something, either physically or emotionally.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Activate - Switch on - Excite (in a romantic context)

Antonyms: - Turn off - Deactivate - Disengage