on-the-spot
|on-the-spot|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌɑn ðə ˈspɑt/
🇬🇧
/ˌɒn ðə ˈspɒt/
immediate action
Etymology
Etymology Information
'on-the-spot' originates from the English phrase 'on the spot,' where 'on' meant 'at' and 'spot' meant 'place or location.'
Historical Evolution
'on the spot' was used in Middle English to denote being at a specific location, and eventually became the modern English adjective 'on-the-spot' to describe immediate actions or decisions.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'at a specific location,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'immediate or instant.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
done or occurring at the place of action or event.
The manager made an on-the-spot decision to close the store.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45