UPON Meaning and
Definition
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Upon is a preposition that typically denotes a position on an object or a surface, often suggesting physical contact or close proximity. It signifies being in a higher position, resting or supported by something, or being in the immediate vicinity or nearness of something else.
The word "upon" can also indicate a temporal relation, particularly suggesting an action or event that is immediately following another. In this sense, it suggests that something is about to happen or has happened due to a preceding circumstance. It can imply a cause-and-effect relationship, with one event or action being based on or arising from another.
Furthermore, "upon" can express a sense of emphasis or significance. It conveys that something is directed towards a particular focus or target, placing emphasis on the importance or impact of the subject. It implies a close connection, indicating that certain qualities, actions, or effects are attributed to or influenced by the specific object or condition.
Overall, "upon" is a versatile preposition that emphasizes proximity, temporal sequence, or significance. It showcases the close relationship between two entities, whether physical or abstract, and conveys a sense of linkage, influence, or consequence.
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Resting on the top or surface; not under; on; with respect to; near to; denoting situation; denoting assumption, as he took an office upon him; denoting time when, as upon the third day; thrown over the body, as clothes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for UPON *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for UPON
Etymology of UPON
The word "upon" originated from the Old English word "uppān", which can be traced back to the combination of two elements: "up" and "on". "Up" is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*upp" meaning "upward" or "up to a higher place". Whereas, "on" comes from the Old English word "on" with a similar meaning of "motion to a position upon". Over time, these two elements merged to form "uppān", which eventually evolved into the modern English word "upon".
Idioms with the word UPON
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be set on/upon sth
The idiom "be set on/upon sth" means to be strongly determined or committed to achieving or obtaining something. It implies a strong desire or intention to pursue a particular goal or objective.
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once upon a time
The idiom "once upon a time" is used to begin a story or narrative, typically in fairy tales or folklore. It signifies the beginning of a mythical or fictional account by referring to a time in the past, often without a precise date or historical context.
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wave after/upon wave
The idiom "wave after/upon wave" refers to a continuous succession or series of things happening in quick succession, one after the other, resembling the repetition of waves crashing onto the shore. It suggests a repetitive or relentless flow or occurrence of events.
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(upon) my word!
The idiom "(upon) my word!" is an exclamation used to express surprise, shock, or disbelief. It is often used to emphasize one's sincerity or truthfulness in a statement or when making a promise. It can be seen as a proclamation of one's honesty or as an assertion that what one is saying is absolutely true.
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(you can) depend on/upon it
The idiom "(you can) depend on/upon it" means that something is reliable or trustworthy, and you can be assured that it will happen or be true. It conveys a sense of certainty and assurance in the statement or promise being made.
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set upon
The idiom "set upon" typically means to attack or assault someone physically or verbally, often unexpectedly or with great aggression. It can also be used figuratively to describe being targeted or unfairly treated by others.
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set upon sb/sth
The idiom "set upon sb/sth" typically refers to the act of attacking or assaulting someone or something. It implies a sudden, aggressive action against a person or object.
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set upon sm or sth
The idiom "set upon someone or something" typically means to attack, assault, or aggressively confront someone or something. It can imply a sudden and intense attack or aggression towards the subject of the action.
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Cast one's bread upon the waters.
The idiom "cast one's bread upon the waters" means to perform acts of kindness or generosity without expecting anything in return, in the hope that they will eventually be rewarded or result in future benefits. It suggests taking risks or making investments in the present without immediate visible gain, with the belief that they will bring positive outcomes in the future.
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Cast bread upon the waters
The idiom "Cast bread upon the waters" means to perform acts of kindness and generosity without expecting anything in return, with the hope or belief that good deeds will eventually be rewarded or benefit you in the future. It suggests taking actions that may not have an immediate impact or tangible benefits, but can contribute to positive outcomes in the long run.
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come upon
The idiom "come upon" means to unexpectedly find or encounter something or someone without prior knowledge or intention.
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come upon sb/sth
The idiom "come upon sb/sth" means to encounter or unexpectedly find someone or something. It refers to a situation where one happens upon someone or something by chance, without prior knowledge or intention.
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feast one's eyes (on or upon sm or sth)
The idiom "feast one's eyes (on or upon sm or sth)" means to enjoy or take great pleasure in looking at someone or something, often because they are exceptionally beautiful, captivating, or impressive. It implies a sense of indulgence and satisfaction derived from the visual experience.
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upon impact
The idiom "upon impact" means immediately after a collision or contact between two objects. It refers to the moment when the two objects make contact and the subsequent effects or consequences that occur.
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look upon as
"Look upon as" is an idiom that means to consider someone or something in a certain way, to regard them or it in a particular manner. It implies a perception or opinion about someone or something.
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launch forth (upon sth)
The idiom "launch forth (upon sth)" means to begin or start something, typically with enthusiasm, energy, or determination. It refers to embarking on a new project, endeavor, or journey, often with a sense of excitement and purpose.
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incumbent (upon sm) to do (sth)
The idiom "incumbent upon (someone) to do (something)" means that it is someone's duty or responsibility to do a particular action or behave in a certain way. It implies that there is an expectation or obligation for that individual to fulfill a certain task or uphold a certain standard.
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look upon sb/sth as sth
The idiom "look upon sb/sth as sth" means to view or consider someone or something in a particular way or category. It implies seeing someone or something as possessing certain qualities, characteristics, or roles.
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put upon by sm
The idiom "put upon by someone" refers to feeling burdened, mistreated, or taken advantage of by another person. It implies that someone is constantly imposing tasks, responsibilities, or inconveniences on someone else, often without their consent or consideration for their well-being.
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put upon
The idiom "put upon" refers to the act of burdening or taking advantage of someone by repeatedly asking for favors, making excessive demands, or expecting them to do something they may not want to do. It implies that the person is being treated unfairly or taken advantage of in some way.
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look upon
The idiom "look upon" means to regard or consider something in a certain way, usually with a specific attitude or perspective.
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upon my soul!
The idiom "upon my soul!" is an exclamation used to express surprise or astonishment. It is used to emphasize the truthfulness or sincerity of a statement. Essentially, the phrase implies that one is swearing or vouching on their soul to validate the preceding statement.
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trample under foot or trample on or trample upon
The idiom "trample under foot" or "trample on" or "trample upon" means to treat someone or something with disrespect, disregard, or oppression, often by imposing one's own power or authority over them. It suggests the act of metaphorically crushing or stomping on someone or something, causing harm or disrespect without any consideration for their rights or dignity.
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look askance upon (someone or something)
To "look askance upon (someone or something)" means to view or regard someone or something with suspicion, disapproval, or a sense of judgment. It implies that there is a lack of trust or acceptance towards the person or thing being observed.
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cast your bread upon the waters
The idiom "cast your bread upon the waters" means to do good deeds or acts of kindness, often without expecting anything in return. It implies taking selfless and generous actions, hoping that eventually, the goodness will come back to you.
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Who breaks a butterfly upon a wheel?
The idiom "Who breaks a butterfly upon a wheel?" is a rhetorical question that essentially means "Why use excessive force or punishment for a small or insignificant matter?" It conveys the idea that it is unnecessary, disproportionate, or unjust to apply overly severe measures for a minor offense or issue. The phrase is often used to criticize the use of excessive force or punishment in situations where a more lenient approach would be more appropriate and fair.
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put upon by
The idiom "put upon by" is used to describe someone who is continuously taken advantage of, burdened with responsibilities, or treated unfairly. It refers to a situation where an individual feels obligated to do things for others, often without reciprocation or appreciation.
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call upon
The idiom "call upon" means to request someone's presence, assistance, or participation in a particular situation or activity. It can also refer to asking someone for advice, help, or support.
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call upon (someone)
The idiom "call upon (someone)" means to ask or request someone to do something or to seek assistance or advice from someone. It can also refer to visiting or making a formal request to someone, often in a professional or official capacity.
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come upon (someone or something)
The idiom "come upon (someone or something)" means to unexpectedly encounter or find someone or something, usually by chance or accident.
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cast (some) light upon (something)
The idiom "cast (some) light upon (something)" means to provide clarification, explanation, or understanding about a particular topic or situation. It often refers to shedding light on something that was previously unclear or mysterious. It implies bringing illumination or insight to a matter, allowing for better comprehension or resolution.
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the black ox has trod upon (one's) foot
The idiom "the black ox has trod upon (one's) foot" is a saying that denotes a person's experience of enduring hardship or misfortune in their life. It often implies that a great sorrow, loss, or adversity has befallen someone, causing them considerable pain or suffering. The use of the black ox as a metaphorical symbol emphasizes the weight and darkness of the unfortunate event.
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the black ox has trod upon (one's) toe
The idiom "the black ox has trod upon (one's) toe" is an expression used to convey that someone has experienced a great sorrow or misfortune. It implies experiencing a heavy burden or setback that is emotionally or mentally distressing. The color black is used metaphorically to indicate the negative or unfortunate nature of the situation, while "treading upon one's toe" represents the unexpected pain or discomfort that accompanies it.
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chance upon
The idiom "chance upon" means to unexpectedly or coincidentally come across or discover something or someone. It implies stumbling upon or encountering something by chance or accident, without intentionally seeking or looking for it.
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chance upon (someone or something)
The idiom "chance upon (someone or something)" means to unexpectedly encounter or come across someone or something by luck or coincidence, often in a serendipitous or unplanned manner.
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sit upon hot cockles
The idiom "sit upon hot cockles" means to experience a warm, contented feeling or to be in a state of great joy or satisfaction. It refers to a feeling of profound comfort, happiness, or internal warmth.
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converge in upon (someone or something)
The idiom "converge in upon (someone or something)" is commonly used to describe a situation where multiple individuals or elements come together, usually from different directions, to focus or gather around a particular person or thing. It implies a merging or gathering of forces or attention.
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engrave (something) upon (something)
The idiom "engrave (something) upon (something)" means to deeply imprint or permanently etch something onto a surface, usually figuratively or metaphorically. It refers to leaving a lasting impression or memory in someone's mind or heart.
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enter upon
The idiom "enter upon" means to start or begin a particular task, project, or phase. It refers to the moment when someone starts or embarks on a new endeavor or undertaking.
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feast one's eyes (on or upon someone or something)
The idiom "feast one's eyes (on or upon someone or something)" means to enjoy looking at someone or something with great pleasure and delight. It often implies that the object of one's gaze is exceptionally beautiful, fascinating, or enticing.
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wait upon (someone) hand and foot
The idiom "wait upon (someone) hand and foot" means to serve or attend to someone's every need or desire, often excessively or without hesitation. It implies providing an elevated level of care, devotion, and attention to the person being served.
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frown upon
The idiom "frown upon" means to disapprove or have a negative view of something.
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heaping Pelion upon Ossa
The idiom "heaping Pelion upon Ossa" refers to a situation where one difficulty or problem is added on top of another, making the situation even more challenging or burdensome. It comes from Greek mythology, where Mount Pelion and Mount Ossa were two mountains in Thessaly, Greece. According to the myth, the Titans, who were giants, piled Mount Pelion on top of Mount Ossa in an attempt to reach the heavens and overthrow the gods. The idiom thus alludes to the act of adding one challenge or problem on top of another, creating an overwhelming or unmanageable situation.
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upon the heels of
The idiom "upon the heels of" means immediately following or closely after an event, action, or occurrence. It generally denotes a swift and timely sequence of events.
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(almost) upon (one)
The idiom "(almost) upon (one)" means that something is very close or about to happen to someone. It implies that the event, action, or consequence is imminent and will occur in the near future.
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take it upon (oneself) to (do something)
The idiom "take it upon (oneself) to (do something)" means to voluntarily or willingly assume the responsibility or task to do something without being asked or told to do so. It implies being proactive and taking initiative to handle a certain matter or take action without being prompted or required to do so.
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look kindly upon (someone or something)
To "look kindly upon (someone or something)" means to have a positive and favorable view or opinion of them. It implies being benevolent, compassionate, or forgiving towards them.
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shed (some) light upon (something)
The idiom "shed (some) light upon (something)" means to provide clarification or information about a particular subject or topic, making it easier to understand or comprehend. It implies bringing clarity and illuminating an issue or situation that was previously unclear or confusing.
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throw (some) light upon (something)
The idiom "throw (some) light upon (something)" means to provide clarification or understanding about a particular subject or situation. It conveys the idea of shedding light on a topic, making it clearer or more comprehensible.
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take it upon yourself/itself to do sth
The idiom "take it upon yourself/itself to do something" means to voluntarily assume or accept responsibility for a task or action without being asked or obligated to do so. It implies taking personal initiative or feeling compelled to do something that needs to be done.
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throw yourself on/upon sb's mercy
The idiom "throw yourself on/upon sb's mercy" means to completely depend on someone else's kindness, compassion, or forgiveness, often in a desperate or vulnerable situation. It implies surrendering oneself and appealing for leniency or assistance from the person in a position of power or authority.
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take upon oneself
The idiom "take upon oneself" means to willingly or voluntarily accept responsibility or burden for a task, duty, or action, often without being asked or obligated to do so. It implies a sense of taking on the role or obligation with a sense of personal commitment and readiness.
Similar spelling word for UPON
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