Dictionary monolingual
English

Upon

əˈpɑn
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Upon -

indicating a position on or in contact with

Example: The book is upon the table.
Usage: formalContext: written or formal speech
Note: This meaning is often used in literature and formal writing.

immediately after or as a result of

Example: Upon hearing the news, she burst into tears.
Usage: formal/informalContext: both written and spoken language
Note: This usage is more formal and literary but can also be used in everyday conversation.

used to emphasize the timing of an action

Example: He arrived upon the scene just in time.
Usage: formalContext: formal writing or storytelling
Note: This usage is more common in formal or literary contexts.

Upon's synonyms

on

The word 'on' indicates a position or location in contact with a surface.
Example: He placed the book on the table.
Note: Similar to 'upon' but generally more commonly used in everyday language.

atop

'Atop' means on the top of or on the highest point of something.
Example: The cat sat atop the fence.
Note: More specific in indicating a position on the highest point.

on top of

This phrase means in a position over and in contact with the upper surface of something.
Example: The keys are on top of the dresser.
Note: Slightly more descriptive than 'upon' in specifying the exact location.

Upon expressions, common phrases

Once upon a time

This phrase is used to begin a fairy tale or story, indicating that it is set in the past.
Example: Once upon a time, there was a princess who lived in a castle.
Note: The phrase 'once upon a time' is a set expression that is commonly used to start fairy tales and does not have a direct correlation to the word 'upon' in terms of its literal meaning.

Upon arrival

This phrase means 'when arriving' or 'at the time of arrival'.
Example: Upon arrival at the airport, please proceed to the baggage claim area.
Note: The phrase 'upon arrival' is a common expression used in formal contexts to indicate the moment of reaching a destination or place.

Upon further consideration

This phrase signifies that after more thought or examination, a decision or action has been taken.
Example: Upon further consideration, we have decided to postpone the meeting.
Note: The phrase 'upon further consideration' implies a deeper level of thinking or analysis before making a decision or taking action.

Upon reflection

This phrase indicates that after thinking about something carefully, one has come to a particular realization.
Example: Upon reflection, I realized that I had made a mistake.
Note: The phrase 'upon reflection' is used to convey the idea of introspection or contemplation leading to a realization or understanding.

Upon request

This phrase means 'when asked for' or 'in response to a request'.
Example: Please find attached the documents requested upon request.
Note: The phrase 'upon request' is commonly used in formal communication to indicate that something will be provided or done when specifically asked for.

Upon hearing the news

This phrase signifies the immediate reaction or emotion upon receiving certain information.
Example: Upon hearing the news of her promotion, she felt ecstatic.
Note: The phrase 'upon hearing the news' emphasizes the swift or immediate response or emotional reaction to a particular piece of information.

Upon completion

This phrase means 'when finished' or 'at the end of a task or project'.
Example: Upon completion of the project, we will celebrate our success.
Note: The phrase 'upon completion' is used to refer to the point at which a task, project, or activity is finished or concluded.

Upon everyday (slang) expressions

Upon seeing

This slang term is used to indicate that an action takes place immediately after seeing someone or something.
Example: I ran to hug her upon seeing her at the airport.
Note: This slang term is more informal and commonly used in spoken language compared to 'after seeing'.

Upon hearing

This slang term signifies that an action follows immediately after hearing something.
Example: Upon hearing the news, she burst into tears.
Note: While 'upon hearing' is used in casual conversations, 'after hearing' is more formal.

Upon realizing

This term is used to describe an action that follows a sudden understanding or realization.
Example: Upon realizing her mistake, she apologized quickly.
Note: It conveys a sense of immediacy and realization compared to 'after realizing'.

Upon entering

This slang term is used to suggest that an action occurs immediately after entering a place.
Example: Upon entering the room, he noticed the beautiful decorations.
Note: It is more conversational than saying 'after entering'.

Upon leaving

This slang term indicates that an action occurred just as someone was leaving a place.
Example: He waved goodbye upon leaving the party.
Note: It is more informal and colloquial compared to using 'as he was leaving'.

Upon meeting

This term denotes an action that happened right after meeting someone for the first time.
Example: Upon meeting her, he knew she would become a good friend.
Note: It adds a sense of immediacy and is commonly used in informal conversations.

Upon - Examples

Upon arriving at the airport, we realized our flight was delayed.
The decision was made upon careful consideration of all the options.
The book was placed upon the shelf.

Upon grammar

Upon - Subordinating conjunction (Subordinating conjunction) / Preposition or subordinating conjunction (Preposition or subordinating conjunction)
Lemma: upon
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
upon Contains 2 syllables: up • on
Phonetic transcription: ə-ˈpȯn
up on , ə ˈpȯn (The red syllable is stressed)

Upon - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
upon: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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