What does upon mean?
Upon is a preposition that means on, onto, at, by, or during, depending on the context. It may describe physical contact, as in placing one object on another, or refer to a time, event, condition, or result: a decision may be made upon reviewing evidence, and a payment may be due upon completion. Although upon closely resembles on, it often has a more formal or literary tone, which makes it especially common in legal notices, official correspondence, ceremonial writing, and traditional phrases. It can also express an immediate response to an action or event. In ordinary conversation, on is usually more natural for simple spatial relationships, while upon can add emphasis, formality, or a sense of consequence. The word is not restricted to either British or American English, though its pronunciation varies: British English typically uses /əˈpɒn/, while American English typically uses /əˈpɑːn/.
prepositionUpon is a preposition meaning on or onto, especially when something is physically supported by or in contact with something else. It can also mean at, by, or during a particular time or event, and can express the consequence or result of an action.
- On or onto a surface, object, or place.
- At, by, or in connection with a particular time, event, or circumstance.
- As a result of or following a specified action, event, or stimulus.
"The full cost is payable upon completion of the work."
"The full cost is payable upon completion of the work."
"The committee will make its decision upon reviewing the report."
The word upon began as two separate words: up and on, a pairing that has carried its sense of movement, support, and arrival through centuries of English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does upon come from?
Upon developed in Middle English from Old English upp, meaning “up,” and on, meaning “on.” The first element is related to Old Norse upp, while the second has Germanic origins and is also the source of words such as onward. The combination originally conveyed movement upward and contact or position, and modern English retains uses involving location, time, circumstances, and consequences.
How upon is actually used
In contemporary English, upon is a preposition rather than a conjunction. It is more formal and often more literary than on, particularly in written notices, legal and administrative language, and formal speech. British and American speakers use the word similarly, although the stressed vowel is generally different in the two varieties.
Easily confused with upon
Upon and on can both indicate position, but upon is generally more formal and literary, while on is the usual everyday word; upon can also introduce a condition, event, or consequence that is merely occurring at a particular time.