The phrase "fixt upon" is an archaic spelling of "fixed upon". The use of "fixt" instead of "fixed" can be explained by the historical development of the English language. In Middle English, the past participle of the verb "fixen" was "fiked", which later became "fixt" in Early Modern English. This spelling represented the way the word was pronounced at the time, with the sound "kt" at the end. Today, this pronunciation is no longer common and the spelling "fixed" is generally used instead. The IPA transcription for "fixt" is /fɪkst/.
"Fixt upon" is an archaic term that combines the words "fixed" and "upon." It is primarily used in older literature or poetic contexts to convey the idea of something being firmly or attentively directed towards a specific object, person, or point of focus.
The term "fixed" implies that something is firmly established, immovable, or unchanging. It indicates a state of stability or permanence. When combined with "upon," it suggests that this fixed state is directed towards a particular target or object. It indicates that one's attention, gaze, or focus is deeply concentrated on a specific subject.
In literary works, "fixt upon" often describes a character's intense concentration or deep contemplation of something. It portrays a state of being completely absorbed, captivated, or transfixed by a particular object, idea, or person. This term can be used to emphasize the unwavering nature of a character's attention or the intensity of their concentration.
For example, in a poem, it might be said that the protagonist's eyes were fixt upon the stars, suggesting intense fascination or wonder. Similarly, in a narrative, a character might be described as fixt upon a portrait, indicating their unbroken contemplation or fascination with the painting.
Overall, the term "fixt upon" captures the idea of a steadfast, unwavering, or concentrated focus on a particular subject, often implying an emotional or intellectual captivation.
The phrase "fixt upon" is a combination of two separate words: "fixt" and "upon".
1. "Fixt": This is an archaic form of the verb "fixed", which means to establish, secure, or fasten something in a particular place or position. It comes from the Middle English word "fixen", which ultimately derived from the Latin word "figere", meaning "to fasten" or "to attach".
2. "Upon": This is a preposition that indicates the relationship of one thing to another in terms of position, place, or time. It originated from the Old English word "uppan", which stems from the Germanic roots "up" (over) and "on" (on).
When combined, "fixt upon" means to have something firmly established or attached to a particular position or place, typically referring to attention or focus being directed towards someone or something.