A1adverb1K

Up

UK /["/ʌp/"]/US /["/ʌp/"]/

Definition

towards or in a higher position

In simple words: To move higher or to a higher position.

Examples

  • Please stand up when the teacher enters the room.
  • The balloon floated up into the sky.
  • I need to wake up early tomorrow.
  • She looked up at the stars in the night sky.
  • Clean your room and tidy things up before guests arrive.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written contexts. Can imply physical movement or an increase in number/amount. Avoid in very formal writing unless emphasizing a point.

Grammar pattern

standalone (e.g. 'up!')

Memory hint

Think of 'up' as in 'up the stairs' — you can picture climbing a staircase.

Collocations

  • wake up
  • give up
  • look up
  • bring up
  • set up

Synonyms

  • ascend
  • rise
  • increase
  • elevate

Antonyms

  • down

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'down' when indicating direction.
  • Omitting it in phrasal verbs (e.g. forgetting 'give up').
  • Using it as a noun incorrectly.