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bump on

C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To accidentally find or meet something.

Literal meaning: To physically bump (knock) onto something.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To encounter or discover something unexpectedly (non-standard, rare).

"He bumped on an unusual entry while scanning through old library records."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Rare and non-standard. Most native speakers would use 'bump into', 'come across', or 'stumble upon' instead. ESL learners should avoid this form and use established alternatives.

Commonly used with

information idea problem reference

Forms

Base
bump on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bumps on
he/she/it
Past simple
bumped on
yesterday
Past participle
bumped on
have + pp
-ing form
bumping on
continuous

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