Definition

Verb: 1. To begin, to start, to commence something, especially a period of time, a course of action, or a new phase. It implies embarking on or undertaking something significant. 2. To take possession of something, such as property or an inheritance. This meaning is more formal and legal.

Usage

The verb "enter upon" is formal and is used to describe the act of starting something important or taking control of something to which one has a right. It is often followed by a noun phrase representing the thing being begun or acquired.

Examples

• The young prince entered upon his duties with great solemnity.
• Upon graduating, she entered upon a career in medical research.
• He entered upon a long period of reflection after the event.
• The heir entered upon the estate last month, following the probate process.

Advanced Usage

• "To enter upon the stage": A formal or literary way to say someone has arrived or become involved in a situation.
  • A new generation of leaders is entering upon the stage of global politics.
• The phrase can carry a sense of formally assuming a role, duty, or right.

Variants and Related Words

• Entry (n): The act of entering.
• There is no direct variant of the phrasal verb "enter upon" itself.

Synonyms

• Begin
• Commence
• Embark on
• Start
• Undertake
• Take up

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Enter into: To begin to be involved in or to discuss something (e.g., an agreement, a conversation, a contract).
  • The two companies entered into a partnership.
• Enter on: This is a less common variant with essentially the same meaning as "enter upon."

Related Idioms

• Set foot on: To begin involvement in (often used for physical or metaphorical beginnings).
  • The day she set foot on campus, she knew she would love university life.
• Step into: To start doing a job or role that someone else has stopped doing.
  • She stepped into the manager role seamlessly.

Verb

1. take possession of
   • She entered upon the estate of her rich relatives