The word "upholds" is spelled with three consonants and three vowels. The first syllable "up" is pronounced with a short "uh" sound followed by the consonant "p". The second syllable "holds" is pronounced with a long "oh" sound followed by the consonant "h" and then the consonant "l" with a short "uh" sound. The final syllable has just the consonant "d" pronounced softly. Overall, the IPA phonetic transcription of the word "upholds" is /ʌpˈhoʊldz/.
Upholds is a verb that refers to the act of maintaining or supporting something, usually a belief, principle, or standard. When someone upholds something, they strive to uphold its legitimacy, value, or importance, and to ensure its continuation. It involves preserving, defending, or advocating for a particular idea, ideal, or system.
To uphold a belief or principle means to maintain its integrity and validity, even in the face of challenges or opposition. It requires taking actions or making decisions that align with the belief or principle, and resisting attempts to undermine it. Upholding can be seen as a commitment to honor and protect something that is considered valuable or essential.
Upholding can also be applied to the justice system, where a judge upholds the law by interpreting and applying it impartially. In this context, upholding means ensuring fairness, justice, and due process.
The term can also be used in a more general sense, such as a person upholding their responsibilities, obligations, or duties. It implies being reliable and trustworthy, and fulfilling one's commitments. Upholding personal values or moral standards is another example, suggesting living one's life in accordance with these core beliefs.
In summary, upholds means to maintain, support, or defend something that is considered important, whether it is a belief, principle, ideal, system, law, or personal value. It involves a commitment to preserving its significance and ensuring its continuity.
The word "upholds" is derived from the combination of two components: "up" and "hold".
The component "up" comes from Middle English "up" or "uppen", which traces back to Old English "upp", meaning "up" or "aloft". It shares roots with several Germanic languages, such as Old Frisian "up", Old Norse "upp", and Old High German "uf".
The component "hold" comes from Middle English "holden", which is derived from Old English "healdan", meaning "to hold" or "to keep". This word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old Frisian "hella", Old Norse "halda", and Gothic "haldan".