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."
inseparable
draw upon
B2 formal inseparable transitive
To make use of a source of knowledge, skill, experience, or resources.
In plain English
To use knowledge, experience, or skills that you already have in order to do something.
What does "draw upon" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull from a supply — 'upon' adds slight formality to 'draw on'.
Actually means
To use knowledge, experience, or skills that you already have in order to do something.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "draw upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
experience expertise knowledge tradition research resources
How to conjugate "draw upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "draw upon" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "draw upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.