light upon

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Sure! Let's break down the phrase "light upon."

Definition:

"Light upon" is a verb phrase that means to find or discover something unexpectedly or by chance. It suggests that you come across something without actively looking for it.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "light upon" when you want to describe finding something surprising or unintended.
• It is often followed by a noun (the thing you discover).

Examples:

1. While cleaning the attic, I lighted upon an old photo album from my childhood.
2. As I was reading the book, I lighted upon a fascinating fact about history.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "light upon" can also be used in a metaphorical sense: - The poet lighted upon a new inspiration during her walk in the park. - The scientist lighted upon an innovative solution to the problem.

Word Variants:

• "Light" (verb): to illuminate or make something bright.
• "Lighted" (past tense of light) can also mean to set something on fire.
• "Upon" is a preposition that can mean "on" or "at."

Different Meanings:

While "light upon" specifically refers to finding something unexpectedly, "light" by itself has various meanings: - To illuminate (e.g., the sun lights the sky). - To descend or come down gently (e.g., the bird lighted on the branch).

Synonyms:

Some synonyms for "light upon" include: - Come across - Discover - Stumble upon - Chance upon

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Stumble upon: To find something accidentally (similar meaning).

  • Example: I stumbled upon a great café while exploring the city.

• Come across: To find something unexpectedly.

  • Example: I came across an interesting article online.

Summary:

"Light upon" is a useful phrase to express the idea of discovering something by chance. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Academic

Verb

1. find unexpectedly
   • the archeologists chanced upon an old tomb
   • she struck a goldmine
   • The hikers finally struck the main path to the lake