To think, speak, or write about something at length, giving it more time and attention than might be necessary.
To keep thinking or talking about something for a long time, especially something negative or something from the past.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To think about something at length, especially something unpleasant, in a way that is difficult to stop.
"There is nothing to be gained by dwelling upon your past mistakes — focus on what you can do now."
We shall not dwell upon the causes of this terrible war.
— Winston Churchill, address to Parliament, representative of his formal oratorical style.
To speak or write about a topic at greater length than is strictly necessary, giving it extended attention.
"The report dwells upon the economic consequences but barely mentions the social impact."
To stay with a pleasant thought or memory, giving it deliberate attention.
"She let her mind dwell upon the memory of that perfect summer evening."
'Dwell' originally meant to live or reside somewhere — to 'dwell upon' something is to mentally live in it for a time.
To keep thinking or talking about something for a long time, especially something negative or something from the past.
'Dwell upon' is the more formal variant of 'dwell on'. Both are common, but 'upon' sounds more literary and is preferred in formal writing. Frequently used to describe excessive rumination on negative events, failures, or painful memories. Can also appear in positive or neutral contexts (dwelling on a beautiful memory).
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "dwell upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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