1 C1 idiomatic formal
(Formal/Archaic) To insist on one's rights, dignity, or a particular principle.
"He stood upon his rights and refused to answer questions without a lawyer present."
inseparable
stand upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
A formal or archaic variant of 'stand on', meaning to be based on a principle or to insist on one's rights.
In plain English
To insist on your right to something, or to base an argument on a fact — but in a formal or old-fashioned way.
What does "stand upon" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
(Formal/Archaic) To be founded or based upon something.
"The entire argument stands upon a single, unproven assumption."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically stand on top of something.
Actually means
To insist on your right to something, or to base an argument on a fact — but in a formal or old-fashioned way.
Usage tip
Largely replaced by 'stand on' in contemporary English. Still encountered in legal and literary texts. 'Stand upon one's dignity' is a formal phrase meaning to insist on being treated with respect.
Words that pair with "stand upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
principle rights dignity ceremony merit honor
How to conjugate "stand upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stand upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands upon
he/she/it
Past simple
stood upon
yesterday
Past participle
stood upon
have + pp
-ing form
standing upon
continuous
Hear "stand upon" in the wild
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Other ways to say "stand upon"
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