The spelling of "calling upon" can be confusing due to a combination of silent letters and vowel sounds. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈkɔːlɪŋ əˈpɒn/. The "c" and "g" are silent, making the "a" in "calling" long (like "call") instead of short (like "callus"). The "u" in "upon" is also silent, and the stress is on the second syllable. When pronouncing "calling upon," be sure to emphasize the "a" in "calling" and the second syllable in "upon" to avoid confusion with the similar phrase "calling up on."
Calling upon is a phrasal verb that carries multiple meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it refers to the act of appealing, summoning, or invoking someone or something, often in a formal or official manner. It implies seeking assistance, support, guidance, or participation from a person or an entity, usually with a specific purpose or intention. In this sense, calling upon implies making a request or asking for help from someone who possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, or authority to assist or fulfill a particular task or obligation.
The phrase can also indicate the act of visiting or reaching out to someone, often unexpectedly or spontaneously. It suggests making an impromptu visit or contact to seek advice, discuss matters, or engage in a conversation. In this context, calling upon denotes a friendly or social interaction that is intended to connect or reconnect with the person being visited.
Additionally, calling upon can refer to the act of invoking or appealing to a higher power, such as when praying or seeking divine intervention. It implies acknowledging the presence or existence of a supernatural force and seeking solace, guidance, or intervention from it.
In summary, calling upon involves appealing, summoning, or invoking someone or something for assistance or support, visiting or contacting someone for advice or discussion, or seeking divine intervention.
The word "calling upon" is a phrase rather than a single word. However, we can look at the etymology of the individual words "calling" and "upon".
1. "Calling":
The word "calling" comes from the Old English word "cweðan" meaning "to call, summon, or invoke". It derives from the Proto-Germanic word "kwestaną".
2. "Upon":
The word "upon" comes from the Old English word "uppan" which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*upp".
When combined, "calling upon" implies the act of invoking or summoning someone or something. The phrase is often used to express the act of seeking assistance, guidance, or support from a higher authority or power.