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Call upon: meaning, definitions and examples

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call upon

[ kɔːl əˈpɒn ]

Phrasal verb

^{Context #1 | Phrasal verb}

to request someone to do something

To call upon someone is to ask them to do something, usually because you need their help or expertise. It can also mean to appeal to or invoke someone or something for support. This phrasal verb is commonly used in formal or professional settings.

Synonyms

appeal to, ask for, invoke, request.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
call upon	used in formal situations or addresses, often when someone is summoned to do something or to speak. I now call upon the president to address the assembly. We call upon all citizens to take part in the community service.
request	used in both formal and informal settings, slightly more formal than 'ask for', often written or politely spoken. I would like to request a meeting with you. She requested an extension on her project deadline.
ask for	most commonly used in everyday, informal situations when making a request. Can I ask for a glass of water? He asked for directions to the nearest hospital.
invoke	typically used in formal or legal contexts, often implies calling on a law, rule, or higher power for support. They invoked the First Amendment to defend their actions. He invoked his right to remain silent.
appeal to	often used when trying to persuade or convince someone by making an emotional or urgent request. She appealed to the authorities for help. We appeal to your sense of justice in making this decision.

Examples of usage

He called upon his colleagues to assist him with the project.
The President called upon the nation to come together in times of crisis.
She called upon her experience to solve the difficult problem.
They called upon the services of a professional to fix the issue.

Translations

Translations of the word "call upon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invocar

🇮🇳 आह्वान करना

🇩🇪 aufrufen

🇮🇩 memanggil

🇺🇦 закликати

🇵🇱 wezwać

🇯🇵 呼びかける (yobikakeru)

🇫🇷 invoquer

🇪🇸 invocar

🇹🇷 çağırmak

🇰🇷 호출하다 (hochulhada)

🇸🇦 استدعى

🇨🇿 vyvolat

🇸🇰 vyvolať

🇨🇳 召唤 (zhàohuàn)

🇸🇮 pozvati

🇮🇸 kalla á

🇰🇿 шақыру

🇬🇪 გამოძახება

🇦🇿 çağırmaq

🇲🇽 invocar

Etymology

The expression 'call upon' dates back to the 16th century and has its origins in Middle English and Old French. The word 'call' comes from the Old Norse 'kalla' and the Old English 'ceallian,' both meaning 'to cry out' or 'to summon.' The addition of 'upon' emphasizes the act of requesting or invoking someone or something. Over time, 'call upon' has become a widely used phrasal verb in the English language.