Learn English – Meaning of ‘upon which’

expressionstime

I am not a native English speaker. I read this phrase in a book, '… more beloved than everything UPON WHICH the sun rises,…'
Could anyone clarify what this phrase means? And what is the meaning of 'upon which' here? Thanks

Best Answer

upon (up + on) which the sun rises... the word "upon" in this case, it is similar to the word "over".. upon seems a little bit more formal for me..

Even the Oxford website gives that notion: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/upon

"More formal term for on, especially in abstract senses. it was based upon two principles a school’s dependence upon parental support"

Think about all the things that are illuminated by the light of the rising sun (sun OVER everything).

For me, this phrase is very poetic and basically, means "something which is more beloved than everything".

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