Definition of the word base upon

The phrase "base upon" is a compound preposition that combines the meanings of both "based on" and "founded upon," both of which share a common linguistic origin. In Old English, "bygan" was used to mean "founded upon," and "basan" meant "based on." Over time, both words evolved and eventually morphed into their modern forms, "based upon" and "founded upon." However, in the 19th century, the phrase "based upon" grew in popularity, likely due to its more concise and elegant form. Today, "based upon" is the more commonly used phrase, appearing in a variety of contexts, from academic writing to legal documents. Despite its popularity, the phrase has come under some criticism for being overly formal and American-centric in style, leading some to suggest alternative forms such as "based on." Ultimately, the origin of the phrase "base upon" shows how the English language continually evolves and adapts over time, reflecting the changing needs and preferences of its speakers.