online
- 01 A1 Beginner
adj.connected to the internet or a computer network.
adj.connected to a central computer system or the internet.
Simple“Is your computer online yet, or are you still having trouble with the Wi-Fi?”
In context“The technician confirmed that the server was finally online after the scheduled maintenance window had concluded.”
- 02 A1 Beginner
adj.found or done on the internet rather than in the physical world.
adj.available, performed, or existing on the internet.
Simple“I prefer online shopping because I can compare prices more easily.”
In context“The university offers several online courses for students who cannot attend lectures on campus due to professional commitments.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.ready to use or currently working, like a factory or a power system.
adj.in an active or operational state, particularly regarding industrial facilities or power grids.
Simple“The new power plant will be online by the end of the year.”
In context“Engineers worked around the clock to bring the backup generators online before the storm reached the coast.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
adj.spending a lot of time on the internet and knowing all the latest jokes and trends.
adj.heavily immersed in internet subcultures, memes, and social media trends.
Simple“You have to be very online to understand that joke.”
In context“The marketing campaign failed because it relied on obscure references that only extremely online people would recognise.”
Synonymschronically online - 05 A2 Elementary
adv.while connected to the internet.
adv.in a state of being connected to the internet or a network.
Simple“You can buy your tickets online to avoid the long queues at the station.”
In context“Many employees now prefer to work online from home rather than commuting to a central office every day.”
Antonyms - 06 C1 Advanced
v.to start a system or make it available for use.
v.to bring a system, network, or facility into an operational or active state.
Simple“We need to online the new database before the morning shift starts.”
In context“The IT department plans to online the upgraded security protocols over the weekend to minimise user disruption.”
Antonyms
Usage online platforms · online retailer · online community
1950, from on + line.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.