English · Daily Life

upon

/əˈpɒn/

[/əˈpɒn/]

on

Intermediatepreposition

Definition

On the top or surface of something; a more formal form of 'on'.

Example

The crown sat upon his head.

The crown sat upon his head.

Etymology

Formed from 'up' plus 'on' in Middle English.

How & Where It’s Used

More formal or literary than 'on'.

Literary Heritage

Famous in story openings like 'Once upon a time'.

Watch “on” pronunciation on YouTube
prepositionposition

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