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prep. · adv. · adj. · v. · n.
  1. 1 toward a higher point (prep.)
    A1 Beginner

    moving from a lower position to a higher one.

    indicating movement from a lower to a higher point on a vertical or inclined surface.

    Example

    The cat ran up the tree to escape from the dog.

    Example

    The hikers struggled to maintain their pace as they climbed up the steep mountain trail in the thinning air.
  2. 2 further along (prep.)
    A2 Elementary

    further along a road, river, or path.

    indicating a position further along a linear path, often toward a source or a perceived 'top' end.

    Example

    There is a small grocery store just up the street from here.

    Example

    The research vessel travelled up the river to investigate the impact of industrial runoff near the headwaters.
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  1. 3 higher position (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

    at or to a higher place.

    to or in a higher place or position; often used as a particle in phrasal verbs.

    Example

    She looked up at the stars through her telescope.

    Example

    The balloon drifted up until it was nothing more than a tiny red speck against the blue sky.
  2. 4 completely finished (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to show that an action is finished or done completely.

    used as a telic aspect marker to indicate the completion or exhaustion of an action.

    Example

    The children ate up all their vegetables so they could have dessert.

    Example

    The fire quickly used up the remaining oxygen in the room, forcing the firefighters to retreat.
  3. 5 awake (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    out of bed and awake.

    risen from sleep or bed; no longer reclining.

    Example

    Are you up yet, or are you still sleeping?

    Example

    He had been up since four in the morning, preparing the bakery for the early rush of commuters.
  4. 6 increased (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    higher in price, amount, or level than before.

    indicating an increase in value, volume, or quantity relative to a previous state.

    Example

    Gas prices are up again this week because of the holiday.

    Example

    Despite the economic downturn, the company's quarterly profits were up by nearly twelve percent.
  5. 7 happening (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    happening or wrong.

    occurring or amiss; frequently used in interrogative phrases regarding a situation.

    Example

    You look very sad; what's up?

    Example

    The manager sensed something was up when the usually talkative team became silent as she entered the room.
  6. 8 to increase (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to make something larger or higher, like a price or a level.

    to increase the amount, level, or value of something. Transitive use.

    Example

    The landlord decided to up the rent by fifty dollars a month.

    Example

    The tech giant decided to up the stakes by announcing a rival product just days before the competitor's launch.
  7. 9 good times (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    good times or successful moments.

    periods of success, prosperity, or happiness; almost always paired with 'downs'.

    Example

    Every marriage has its ups and downs over the years.

    Example

    The entrepreneur reflected on the many ups and downs of her career before finally achieving international success.
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