upon
Preposition: 1. On the surface of something (often used in a more formal or literary context than "on"). - The book was lying upon the table. (The book was on the surface of the table.) 2. At the time of (indicating an event or occasion). - Upon arrival, please check in at the front desk. (At the moment of arriving.) 3. Immediately after (used to show that one action follows another). - Upon hearing the news, she burst into tears. (Immediately after hearing the news.) 4. Depending on (used with verbs like "depend," "rely"). - The success of the project rests upon your efforts. (The success depends on your efforts.) 5. Against (in the sense of opposition or confrontation). - He drew his sword upon his enemy. (Against his enemy, in a hostile manner.) 6. According to (used with terms or conditions). - Upon those terms, we can proceed. (According to those conditions.)
- (On the surface of the desk.)
- (After thinking about it.)
- (Under the condition of.)
- (Onto the surface of the bed.)
- (At the moment of entering.)
- "Once upon a time": a traditional opening for fairy tales, meaning "at some point in the past."
- Once upon a time, there lived a princess in a castle. (A long time ago.)
- "Upon my word": an exclamation expressing surprise or emphasis.
- Upon my word, I had no idea you were here! (I am surprised.)
- "To be upon someone": to be approaching or pressing someone.
- The deadline is upon us, and we must finish. (The deadline is very near.)
- Uppon (archaic spelling): an older form of "upon."
- Uppon the hill stood a tower. (On the hill.)
- Thereupon (adverb): immediately after that; as a result.
- He gave the order; thereupon, the soldiers marched. (Immediately following that.)
- Whereupon (adverb): after which; upon which.
- She laughed, whereupon he smiled. (After she laughed.)
- On: the most common synonym, less formal.
- The cat sat on the mat. (Upon the mat.)
- Atop: on top of (more specific).
- The flag flew atop the building. (Upon the top of the building.)
- Onto: moving to a position on.
- He climbed onto the roof. (He climbed upon the roof.)
- Against: in opposition or contact.
- He leaned upon the wall. (Against the wall.)
- Come upon: to find or encounter unexpectedly.
- I came upon an old photograph in the attic. (I found it by chance.)
- Fall upon: to attack or descend on.
- The soldiers fell upon the enemy camp. (They attacked suddenly.)
- Depend upon: to rely on.
- You can depend upon me to help. (You can rely on me.)
- Upon one's honor: based on one's honesty or integrity.
- I swear upon my honor that I will tell the truth. (Using my honor as a guarantee.)
- Upon the spot: immediately; at that very place.
- He made the decision upon the spot. (Right then and there.)
- To be upon the point of: to be about to do something.
- She was upon the point of leaving when the phone rang. (She was about to leave.)