get-onadj.n.2
/ˈɡɛtɒn/, U.S. /ˈɡɛˌdɑn/ rare.
A. adj.
Of or relating to the process of making progress in an activity or of showing social advancement or success.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [adjective]
progressional1570
progressivea1653
ascensive1806
get-on1853
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [adjective]
well-speedinga1500
well-succeeding1579
successive1582
successful1594
succeeding1595
get-on1853
trumph1895
high-riding1921
large1957
1853 J. D. Carrick et al. Laird of Logan 529 She, as if exhausted, sat down, and seemed no way inclined to humour the anxiety of the ‘get on’ movement of the Court.
1908 Westm. Gaz. 10 Mar. 14/2 A little weary of this ‘get on’ gospel being continually dinned in their ears.
B. n.2
A person who gets on, a successful person.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > [noun] > one who
continuer1548
proceeder1612
continuator1656
get-on1867
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [noun] > one who or that which
developer1772
advancer1833
get-on1867
progressor1874
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > one who or that which is successful > one who
up1536
speeder1580
succeeder1836
get-on1867
riot1909
1867 J. Mackenzie Hist. Scotl. lxxiv. 582 The Whigs, or Get-ons, have helped the nation to get on considerably since then.
1908 Daily Chron. 13 Mar. 4/6 Prophetically numbered by Landor among the ‘ons’ who are get-ons.
1991 B. Davies in G. E. Jones Educ., Culture & Society 77 The ‘alien puritanism’ of Nonconformity was to split y werin [the people] into..A and B groups, the thrifty get-ons, future Liberals.., and the no-good Bs.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.n.21853