The spelling of the phrase "weighs upon," which means to burden or trouble someone or something, can be understood through its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "weighs" is pronounced as /weɪz/ with the long "a" sound, while "upon" is pronounced as /əˈpɒn/ with a schwa sound for the first syllable and a short "o" sound in the second syllable. The spelling of this phrase may be challenging for some due to the silent "gh" in "weighs" and the unusual spelling of "upon."
"Weighs upon" is a phrasal verb that denotes a heavy burden or a psychological pressure that affects someone's mental state or emotions. It refers to the feeling of being weighed down or oppressed by a certain situation, responsibility, or problem that constantly occupies one's mind and influences their thoughts and behaviors.
When something "weighs upon" a person, it suggests a persistent and troubling feeling of pressure or concern that restricts their ability to feel at ease or think clearly. This could be related to various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, work-related stress, financial difficulties, or guilt from past actions. The phrase implies that this burden has an impact on the individual's well-being, causing a sense of emotional exhaustion, sadness, or anxiety.
The weight that "weighs upon" someone is metaphorical, representing the perceived heaviness or intensity of the situation they are experiencing. It suggests that this burden is not easily shaken off and can consume a person's thoughts, making it difficult for them to focus on other aspects of life.
In conclusion, "weighs upon" describes the psychological and emotional impact of a heavy burden or pressure that consistently influences an individual's thoughts and state of mind, hindering their peace and overall well-being.
The word "weighs upon" is a combination of two separate words: "weighs" and "upon".
The word "weighs" is derived from the Old English word "wegh", which means "weight" or "heaviness". It originated from the Proto-Germanic word "wegan", which also means "to weigh".
The word "upon" comes from the Old English word "uppan", which means "on" or "upon". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "uppandi", meaning "on" or "over".
Therefore, when you combine these two words, "weighs upon" generally conveys the concept of something heavy or burdensome resting or being upon something or someone.