Up: meaning, definitions and examples

General and most versatile term for indicating direction toward a higher position or level. Can be used in everyday situations.

• She looked up at the sky.
• Lift your head up.

Similar to 'up' but more often used to describe continuous or gradual movement towards a higher position or level.

• The elevator moved upwards.
• She glanced upwards at the tall building.

Specifically used when referring to movement towards the sky; often used in a more descriptive or figurative manner.

• The rocket shot skyward.
• He raised his eyes skyward in prayer.

Used in more formal or poetic contexts to describe something high up in the air, often being kept there.

• The flag was held aloft by the wind.
• He tossed the ball aloft.

Used in everyday conversation to describe moving to a higher position or location.

• He climbed up the stairs.
• The balloon went up into the sky.

Indicates movement in a direction that is higher or towards a higher point. Common in everyday language.

• The elevator moved upwards.
• She looked upwards at the tall building.

Used poetically or descriptively to indicate movement towards the sky.

• The rocket launched skywards.
• Birds flew skywards at sunrise.

Often found in literary or formal contexts, meaning to be in the air or elevated.

• The flag was held aloft by the wind.
• He held the torch aloft, lighting the way.

Often used to describe movement to a higher position or direction. It can also describe someone's mood improving.

• He looked up at the sky.
• Cheer up! Everything will be fine.

Usually used in a formal or medical context to describe something that is physically higher or to indicate a higher level of something, such as temperature or status.

• The new highway has an elevated section.
• Her heart rate is elevated.

Commonly used to describe something that is positioned far above the ground or to indicate a large amount, level, or degree of something. It can also refer to someone feeling the effects of drugs, which has a negative connotation.

• The mountain is very high.
• She has a high fever.
• He felt high after taking the medication.

Often used to describe something located above another part in a physical sense, or to indicate a higher social or hierarchical position.

• She lives in the upper part of town.
• Upper management made the decision.