Correct spelling for the English word "hangs upon" is [hˈaŋz əpˌɒn], [hˈaŋz əpˌɒn], [h_ˈa_ŋ_z ə_p_ˌɒ_n] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
"Hangs upon" is a phrase that can be defined as a situation wherein the outcome or success of an individual or an event is dependent on a specific factor or circumstance. It implies that the fate, progress, or resolution of a matter is balanced or contingent on the occurrence or influence of something else.
The phrase "hangs upon" suggests that the result of a situation is on the verge of being determined, and it often connotes a sense of uncertainty or anticipation. It highlights the critical importance of one particular aspect or condition, emphasizing that the ultimate outcome is directly influenced by its presence or absence.
Furthermore, "hangs upon" can also imply a degree of vulnerability or fragility, as if the outcome is delicate or precarious, and could easily be swayed in one direction or another, depending on the factor it is hanging upon.
This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as describing the impact of a crucial decision on the success or failure of a project, the significance of a particular event on an individual’s future, or the pivotal role of a single piece of evidence in a legal case.
In summary, "hangs upon" conveys the idea that the final result or course of action rests entirely or predominantly on a specific factor, determining the direction and conclusion of a situation, thereby signifying the dependency and vulnerability involved.
The phrase "hangs upon" does not have an established etymology of its own, as it is a combination of the words "hangs" and "upon", which each have their own origins.The verb "hangs" can be traced back to the Old English word "hangian", which means "to be suspended" or "to be fastened". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hangōną", meaning "to hang" or "to suspend". The word "hangs" is also related to the Old Norse word "hanga" and the German word "hangen".The word "upon" comes from Middle English "upon(e)", which is derived from the Old English word "uppan", meaning "on" or "upon". It is closely related to the Old Saxon word "uppian" and the Old High German word "ufan", both of which have a similar meaning.