To eagerly and quickly take advantage of an idea, opportunity, or piece of information; the more formal variant of 'seize on'.
To quickly grab onto an idea or chance and use it to your advantage.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To enthusiastically and quickly take advantage of an idea, opportunity, or statement, often with opportunistic intent.
"The press seized upon the celebrity's offhand remark and turned it into a national controversy."
Historians have seized upon these letters as key evidence of the king's true intentions.
To adopt or embrace an idea enthusiastically.
"The young architect seized upon the commission as a chance to prove herself."
To physically grasp something from above — extended to eagerly exploiting an opportunity or idea.
To quickly grab onto an idea or chance and use it to your advantage.
More formal and literary than 'seize on'. Common in journalism, academic writing, and political commentary. The distinction between 'seize on' and 'seize upon' is minimal in practice.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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