Perked: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

perked

 

[ pɜrkt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The word 'perked' is the past tense of the verb 'perk.' It generally means to increase in energy, liveliness, or cheerfulness. It can also suggest improvement in mood or outlook. For example, someone's spirits may perk up after receiving good news. Additionally, it can refer to making something more attractive or enhancing its appeal.

Synonyms

brightened, improved, lifted

Examples of usage

  • She perked up after hearing the joke.
  • The coffee perked him during the long meeting.
  • The vibrant flowers perked up the dull room.

Translations

Translations of the word "perked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 benefícios

🇮🇳 लाभ

🇩🇪 Vorteile

🇮🇩 manfaat

🇺🇦 переваги

🇵🇱 korzyści

🇯🇵 特典

🇫🇷 avantages

🇪🇸 beneficios

🇹🇷 avantajlar

🇰🇷 혜택

🇸🇦 مزايا

🇨🇿 výhody

🇸🇰 výhody

🇨🇳 好处

🇸🇮 koristi

🇮🇸 kosti

🇰🇿 артықшылықтар

🇬🇪 სარგებელი

🇦🇿 faydalar

🇲🇽 beneficios

Word origin

The verb 'perk' originates from the 1920s, and it is derived from the earlier term 'percolate,' which referred to the process of brewing coffee. The development of the word is linked to the way coffee perks or bubbles during brewing, symbolizing the emergence of energy or liveliness. Over time, the secondary meaning evolved, relating to the uplifting of spirits or mood. The connection between the bubbling of coffee and the awakening of one's energy or cheerfulness is a vivid metaphor that has found its way into everyday language. The informal usage of 'perk up' suggests a sudden or noticeable change in temperament or state, often sparked by external factors such as food, drink, or good news.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,208, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.