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Up

/ʌp/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An upward movement or direction.

The economy is showing a clear up.

A state of improvement.

After a difficult year, he finally saw an up in his career.

adjective

Located or situated higher or above.

The up escalator was crowded with people.

Feeling or showing a positive or optimistic attitude.

She has a very up personality.

adverb

In or to a higher place or position.

He climbed up the ladder to reach the roof.

Toward a higher or more elevated position.

The balloon floated up into the sky.

In a direction away from the speaker.

Please turn up the volume on the radio.

In or to a state of completion or readiness.

They've finally cleaned up the mess.

preposition

Used as a function word to indicate direction toward the higher part of something.

He walked up the hill.

Indicating an increase in quantity or level.

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

To become excited or enthusiastic.

I'm really up about the concert this weekend!

To be in a positive state or mood.

I'm feeling up today!