The phrase "touches upon" is spelled \ˈtʌtʃɪz əˈpɒn\ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "touch," is pronounced with a short u sound, followed by a voiceless ch sound. The second syllable, "es," is pronounced with a short e sound, followed by a voiced s sound. The final syllable, "upon," is pronounced with a short u sound and a nasalized n sound at the end. Together, the phrase means to briefly mention or discuss a topic.
The phrase "touches upon" refers to briefly mentioning or discussing a particular topic or subject, without going into great detail or fully exploring it. It signifies a slight or superficial coverage of the subject matter, often to provide a general idea or introduce it to the audience. It can be used in various contexts, such as in conversational or written language, academic settings, or even artistic expressions.
When someone "touches upon" a topic, they may introduce it briefly or make a passing reference to it in a conversation or presentation. This indicates that the topic is not the main focus of the discussion but rather an incidental or peripheral point. Consequently, the coverage may lack in-depth analysis or comprehensive information.
For instance, in a lecture about world history, a professor might "touch upon" the Roman Empire, merely giving a basic overview of its key characteristics and contributions without delving into the subject extensively. Similarly, in a news article, a journalist reporting on a recent scientific discovery might "touch upon" the potential implications of the findings, without exploring them thoroughly.
Overall, the phrase "touches upon" implies a casual or introductory treatment of a subject, acknowledging its existence or relevance without fully engaging or providing a detailed examination of it.
The phrase "touches upon" is a combination of two different words, "touches" and "upon", that have their own individual etymologies.
1. "Touches":
The word "touches" originated from the Old French word "touchier", which further came from the Vulgar Latin word "toccāre", meaning "to touch". This Latin root is believed to have evolved from the sound produced when people patted an object. Over time, "touches" transitioned into the Middle English word "touchen", finally becoming the Modern English "touch".
2. "Upon":
The word "upon" has its roots in the Old English word "uppan", derived from the combination of "up" and the preposition "on". The term "uppan" ultimately signified "on top of" or "over". Throughout centuries, "uppon" underwent several spelling variations until it evolved into the current "upon".