Definition of pronounce upon

The term "pronounce upon" originated in medieval English legal language. In the context of legal proceedings, it refers to the act of delivering a judgment or decision by a judge or authority on a matter that has been presented to them. The phrase "upon" in this context means "regarding," indicating that the pronouncement relates specifically to the presented matter. The origin of the word "pronounce" itself can also be traced back to Medieval French, where it was first used in the 14th century to describe the act of making a clear and authoritative statement or declaration. This usage expanded into English in the 15th century, where it took on the specific meaning of declaring a legal decision or judgment. Over time, the phrase "pronounce upon" became a commonly used phrasal verb in legal parlance, particularly in the context of judicial proceedings. Its use has since spread to other areas where authoritative decisions are made, such as academic or professional disciplinary hearings. In contemporary English, the usage of "pronounce upon" has generally become more infrequent due to the increased use of more direct terms such as "decide," "rule," or "find," which have supplanted it in many contexts. However, it is still commonly used in legal contexts, particularly in formal or ceremonial settings, to maintain an air of traditional legal language. In summary, the origin of the phrase "pronounce upon" can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it emerged from the French word "prononcer," meaning to declare or proclaim, and entered English legal language to describe the act of delivering a judgment in a legal proceeding.