A more formal or literary way of saying 'regard' or 'consider' — to think of someone or something in a particular way.
You think of or consider something in a certain way, usually something important.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To regard or consider someone or something in a particular way, usually with a formal or serious tone.
"She looked upon her work with the children as a calling, not just a job."
We look upon this land as sacred.
— Widely used in Indigenous and political speeches; common phrasing in treaty and rights documents
To think of an experience or situation with a certain evaluative attitude (often positive: as an opportunity, a privilege, etc.).
"He looked upon the difficult years of his training as essential to everything he later achieved."
To cast your gaze upon something.
You think of or consider something in a certain way, usually something important.
More formal and literary than 'look on as.' Common in written English, religious texts, and elevated speech. Less common in everyday spoken English, where 'see as' or 'view as' is preferred.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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