draw upon
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To use knowledge, experience, or skills that you already have in order to do something.
Literal meaning: To pull from a supply — 'upon' adds slight formality to 'draw on'.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
formal
To use a resource such as knowledge, experience, or skill as the basis for something.
"The documentary draws upon decades of archival footage to tell its story."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
To use inner reserves of strength, courage, or determination when facing a challenge.
"In the final miles of the race, he drew upon every last reserve of willpower he had."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Formal variant of 'draw on'. Very frequently used in academic writing, essays, and speeches. Interchangeable with 'draw on' in most contexts, but 'draw upon' sounds slightly more elevated.
Commonly used with
experience expertise knowledge tradition research resources
Forms
Base
draw upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
draws upon
he/she/it
Past simple
drew upon
yesterday
Past participle
drawn upon
have + pp
-ing form
drawing upon
continuous
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