The spelling of the phrase "drew upon" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "drew," is pronounced as /dru:/ with a long "u" sound followed by a rolled "r." The second word, "upon," has a schwa vowel sound at the beginning, which is represented as /ə/. The "p" and "n" sounds are pronounced as they appear, followed by a long "o" sound represented as /ɒn/. "Drew upon" is a commonly used phrase meaning to rely on or make use of something.
The phrase "drew upon" is a verb phrase with multiple meanings and connotations. It is often used metaphorically and can imply various actions depending on the context. Generally, it refers to the act of utilizing or accessing something for a particular purpose. It conveys the idea of extracting or tapping into a resource, knowledge, or inspiration.
In a literal sense, "drew upon" can mean physically retrieving or pulling something from a source. For instance, if someone "drew upon a well," it signifies the act of pulling water from the well. Similarly, if a person "drew upon their savings," it suggests they retrieved a desired amount of money from their account.
However, "drew upon" is more commonly employed metaphorically. When used metaphorically, it implies invoking or utilizing a mental or creative resource. For example, if an artist "drew upon their imagination," it signifies that they utilized their imaginative abilities to create something. Similarly, if an author "drew upon real-life experiences," it implies that they utilized their personal encounters as inspiration for their writing.
In summary, the phrase "drew upon" refers to the act of accessing or utilizing something, whether it is knowledge, resources, inspiration, or personal experiences, to achieve a particular objective or create something new.
The phrase "drew upon" is formed by the combination of the verb "drew" and the preposition "upon". Each word has its own distinct etymology.
The verb "draw" comes from the Old English word "dragan", which means "to pull, drag". Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*draganą". Over time, the word evolved and developed various meanings, including the act of bringing or attracting something closer.
As for the preposition "upon", it emerged from the Middle English word "uppon", which is a variation of "up-on". In turn, "up-on" combines the Old English word "upp" meaning "up" and the preposition "on". The word "up" signifies a higher position or state, while "on" refers to being in contact or in a location.