The phrase "be upheld" is spelled with the letter combination "up" and the digraph "held." In IPA, "up" is pronounced /ʌp/, which involves a short vowel sound and the plosive consonant /p/ at the end. "Held" is pronounced /hɛld/, with a longer vowel sound and the fricative consonant /h/ at the beginning. Together, "be upheld" is pronounced /bi əpˈhɛld/, with stress on the second syllable of "upheld." The phrase means to be supported or maintained in a particular position or status.
To be upheld means to be supported, maintained, or validated, particularly in the context of decisions, beliefs, or values. When an idea, principle, or stance is upheld, it is given approval, deemed valid or correct, and is actively endorsed or supported.
In legal terms, upholding refers to the affirmation or confirmation of a decision made by a lower court. When a higher court upholds a ruling, it agrees with the decision made by the lower court, finding it legally sound and binding.
In a broader sense, upholding can also refer to supporting or defending a belief, cause, or moral principle. It involves maintaining and standing by one's values, even in the face of challenges or opposing viewpoints. Upholding can be seen as an act of resilience and determination, as it requires steadfastly adhering to one's convictions or affirming established standards.
The notion of upholding extends beyond legal contexts and can be observed in various aspects of life. For example, a company may uphold certain ethical standards, or an individual may uphold their personal integrity in their actions. It conveys the idea of preserving or safeguarding the integrity, validity, or importance of something, often with purposeful and deliberate action.
In summary, being upheld implies that a decision, belief, principle, or value is supported, confirmed, and sustained, either within legal proceedings or in general contexts of maintaining integrity and adhering to one's convictions.
The word "upheld" is derived from two separate elements.
Firstly, the prefix "up-" adds the meaning of "towards a higher position" or "in an upward direction". In many cases, "up-" suggests an action of raising or elevating something.
Secondly, the word "held" is the past participle of the verb "hold", which means to grasp or maintain something in one's possession or control.
Therefore, when combined, "upheld" means to sustain, support, or maintain something in an upward or elevated position.