The phrase "touched upon" is often misspelled as "touched on" due to its colloquial nature. The correct pronunciation of "touched upon" is /tʌʧd əˈpɒn/ with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of "touched" starts with the digraph "ou" which represents the /ʌ/ sound, followed by the consonant cluster "ch" representing the /ʧ/ sound. The word "upon" is spelled with the letter "u" representing the /ʌ/ sound, followed by the consonant cluster "p" and the vowel "o" representing the /ɒ/ sound.
The term "touched upon" refers to the act or process of briefly mentioning or discussing a particular topic or subject. It is often used when one briefly introduces or mentions a certain aspect without delving into its details or offering an extensive analysis. When something is "touched upon," it is generally introduced in passing, providing a general overview or a brief mention without exploring it comprehensively.
The phrase implies a brief encounter or reference to a subject matter without going into great depth or providing extensive information. It can be used in various contexts, such as during conversations, lectures, presentations, or written pieces. When discussing a complex or multifaceted subject, speakers or writers might mention certain aspects briefly to provide a glimpse or a starting point rather than a thorough explanation.
"Touched upon" can also signify a preliminary discussion or a minor remark that acts as an introduction to a broader topic. It suggests that the topic is not the main focus, but rather a tangential point that adds value or context to the overall discussion.
Overall, the term "touched upon" denotes a brief mention or introduction to a subject, providing a general understanding or a starting point without exploring it extensively or in detail.
The phrase "touched upon" is a combination of two words: "touched" and "upon".
The word "touched" is derived from the Old French word "touchier", which means "to handle, touch, or strike". It entered the English language around the 13th century and has retained its meaning of physically making contact with something.
The word "upon" comes from Old English "uppon" or "uppān", which means "on, in a position of contact with something". It has been used in English since the 12th century and is commonly used to indicate physical contact or proximity.
When combined, the phrase "touched upon" conveys the idea of briefly mentioning or addressing something in a conversation, discussion, or written text.