Definition of dwell upon

The origin of the phrase "dwell upon" can be traced back to the Old English word "dwellan," which means "to live" or "to reside." This word evolved into the Middle English form "dwelen" and eventually into the modern English word "dwell." The verb "dwell" originally referred to the physical act of living in a particular place, but its meaning gradually expanded to include the idea of staying fixed on a particular concept or idea. The phrase "dwell upon" is a compound preposition that combines the verb "dwell" with the preposition "upon," which means "on" or "upon." This compound preposition was formed during the Middle English period, and it became a common expression in the English language during the Early Modern English period (1500-1800). Today, the phrase "dwell upon" is commonly used to indicate that a person is giving careful and prolonged attention to a particular subject or idea. It is often used to convey a sense of importance or significance, as if the person is lingering over the subject to fully absorb and understand its meaning.