stand upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To insist on your right to something, or to base an argument on a fact — but in a formal or old-fashioned way.
Literal meaning: To physically stand on top of something.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
(Formal/Archaic) To be founded or based upon something.
"The entire argument stands upon a single, unproven assumption."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
principle rights dignity ceremony merit honor
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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