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base upon

B1 formal separable transitive
In simple words

To build or create something using another thing as your main source or reason — the more formal way of saying 'base on'.

Literal meaning: Transparent — 'upon' is simply the formal version of 'on'.

Meanings

1 B1 formal

To use evidence, facts, or principles as the formal basis for an argument, decision, or work.

"The court's ruling was based upon the constitutional rights of the individual."

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal — a proposition based upon which this nation was founded."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 formal

To use a specific source as the foundation for a creative or academic work.

"This theory is based upon decades of clinical research."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

'Base upon' is interchangeable with 'base on' but is preferred in formal, academic, and legal writing. Rarely heard in everyday conversation. 'Upon' adds a more elevated, serious tone.

Commonly used with

evidence principle assumption findings testimony merit

Forms

Base
base upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bases upon
he/she/it
Past simple
based upon
yesterday
Past participle
based upon
have + pp
-ing form
basing upon
continuous

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