1 C1 idiomatic formal
To direct one's gaze or attention steadily and intensely at someone or something.
"His eyes fixed upon the stranger across the room and did not waver."
inseparable
fix upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
The formal or literary equivalent of 'fix on': to direct attention or gaze firmly at something, or to decide upon something.
In plain English
To look very hard at something or to firmly decide on something — used in formal or old-fashioned English.
What does "fix upon" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
To choose or decide on something after deliberation.
"After long debate, the committee fixed upon a new strategy for the coming year."
inseparable
Usage tip
Predominantly found in literary writing, historical texts, and formal prose. In everyday modern speech, 'fix on' or 'settle on' is preferred. Learners may encounter this in classic novels.
Words that pair with "fix upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
gaze eyes attention choice idea plan
How to conjugate "fix upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fix upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fixes upon
he/she/it
Past simple
fixed upon
yesterday
Past participle
fixed upon
have + pp
-ing form
fixing upon
continuous
Hear "fix upon" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fix upon"
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