put on
/pʊt ɒn/to dress oneself or someone else
He put on his shoes quickly before running out the door.
He quickly dressed himself in his shoes before leaving.
Commonly used for clothing but can also refer to accessories like glasses or hats.
to increase or add something
The company put on a new employee this month.
The company hired a new employee this month.
Often used in business or organizational contexts.
to perform or stage an event
They put on a great show last night.
They performed a great show last night.
Commonly used for performances, concerts, or events.
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💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'put on' depends heavily on the context. Pay attention to the object or the situation to understand the correct meaning.
⚡Gold Rule
Clothing Context
When 'put on' is used with clothing, it means to dress oneself or someone else.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'putten on', meaning to place something on top of something else.
📝Usage Notes
The phrasal verb 'put on' is versatile and can be used in various contexts, including dressing, adding, and performing. The meaning is usually clear from the context.