Meaning & Definition of word "Up"

Up

/ʌp/

noun:

  • 1. An upward movement or direction.
    • Example: The economy is showing a clear up.
  • 2. A state of improvement.
    • Example: After a difficult year, he finally saw an up in his career.

adjective:

  • 1. Located or situated higher or above.
    • Example: The up escalator was crowded with people.
  • 2. Feeling or showing a positive or optimistic attitude.
    • Example: She has a very up personality.

adverb:

  • 1. In or to a higher place or position.
    • Example: He climbed up the ladder to reach the roof.
  • 2. Toward a higher or more elevated position.
    • Example: The balloon floated up into the sky.
  • 3. In a direction away from the speaker.
    • Example: Please turn up the volume on the radio.
  • 4. In or to a state of completion or readiness.
    • Example: They've finally cleaned up the mess.

preposition:

  • 1. Used as a function word to indicate direction toward the higher part of something.
    • Example: He walked up the hill.
  • 2. Indicating an increase in quantity or level.
    • Example: The price has gone up.

Etymology

Old English up, from Proto-Germanic *upp, from Proto-Indo-European *upo.

Common Phrases and Expressions

up in the air:

Uncertain or undecided.

up to no good:

Engaging in mischievous or illicit behavior.

up and running:

Fully operational or functioning.

what's up?:

What is happening or what are you doing?

Related Words

uplift:

To raise or improve something.

upgrade:

To raise something to a higher standard.

uplands:

Higher land, especially in mountainous regions.

Slang Meanings of up

Meaning: To become excited or enthusiastic.

Example Sentence: I'm really up about the concert this weekend!

Meaning: To be in a positive state or mood.

Example Sentence: I'm feeling up today!