PICKING UPON Meaning and
Definition
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Picking upon is a phrasal verb that is used to describe the action of identifying or choosing something or someone from a group or selection. It typically involves selecting or singling out a particular item, person, or element based on certain characteristics or criteria.
In a literal sense, picking upon can refer to physically selecting an object from a collection or choosing something from a wide range of options. For example, one might be picking upon a book to read from a shelf filled with various titles.
However, the term can also be used metaphorically to indicate the act of focusing on or targeting someone or something for criticism, teasing, or ridicule. In this sense, it involves selecting an individual or an aspect to intentionally criticize or highlight with negative intent. Often associated with bullying or negative behavior, picking upon often involves deliberately pinpointing weaknesses, flaws, or vulnerabilities in a person or situation.
The phrase can be used in various contexts, including social interactions, academic environments, or even in professional settings. It implies a deliberate act of choosing or singling out, whether it is for positive or negative purposes.
Overall, picking upon refers to the act of selecting or focusing on someone or something from a group for a particular purpose, be it selection, criticism, or ridicule.
Common Misspellings for PICKING UPON
- oicking upon
- licking upon
- -icking upon
- 0icking upon
- pucking upon
- pjcking upon
- pkcking upon
- pocking upon
- p9cking upon
- p8cking upon
- pixking upon
- pivking upon
- pifking upon
- pidking upon
- picjing upon
- picming upon
- picling upon
- picoing upon
- piciing upon
- pickung upon
Etymology of PICKING UPON
The phrase "picking upon" is a combination of the words "picking" and "upon".
The word "picking" comes from the Old English word "picung", which means "puncture" or "prick". Over time, it evolved to mean "to select or pluck a small item" or "to choose carefully from among various alternatives".
The word "upon" is derived from the Old English word "uppan", which means "on, upon, or on top of". It can also indicate a sense of immediacy or closeness.
When these two words are combined, "picking upon" conveys the idea of carefully selecting or choosing something in close proximity or immediate consideration. However, it is worth noting that in modern English, this specific phrase is not commonly used, so its etymology might not be well-documented.
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