switch on
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To cause a device or system to begin operating by moving a switch, pressing a button, or activating a control mechanism.
- To activate or start the flow of power to an electrical appliance or light source.
Usage
- The verb "switch on" is transitive and requires a direct object (the thing being activated).
- It is commonly used for electrical devices, lights, and machinery.
- The phrasal verb is often separable: "switch the light on" or "switch on the light."
Examples
- Basic Usage:
- Please switch on the lamp; it's getting dark in here.
- He switched on the computer and waited for it to boot up.
- Can you switch the TV on? The news is about to start.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: To suddenly become active, attentive, or animated.
- She really switches on when the conversation turns to her favorite topic.
- The team needs to switch on in the second half if they want to win.
Variants and Related Words
- Turn on: A very common synonym with identical meaning for starting devices. ("Turn on the radio.")
- Power up: Often used for complex electronic devices or systems. ("Power up the main console.")
- Activate: A more formal term meaning to make something operational. ("Activate the security system.")
- Ignite: Used specifically for starting an engine or a flame. ("Ignite the furnace.")
Synonyms
- Turn on
- Activate
- Start
- Power up
- Set in motion
Antonyms
- Switch off
- Turn off
- Deactivate
- Power down
- Shut down
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Switch off: To cause a device to stop operating by moving a switch.
- Don't forget to switch off the iron before you leave.
- Turn off: To stop the operation of a device; the direct antonym of "turn on."
- Please turn off the faucet tightly.
Related Idioms
- Switch on the charm: To deliberately start behaving in a charming or persuasive manner.
- When he needs a favor, he knows how to switch on the charm.
Verb
- cause to operate by flipping a switch
- switch on the light
- turn on the stereo