mug up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (phrasal verb):
- To study intensively, especially in a short period of time before a test or exam: The phrase "mug up" means to learn or memorize facts or information quickly and thoroughly, often through concentrated effort just prior to an assessment.
Usage
- "Mug up" is an informal, primarily British English phrasal verb. It is used to describe the act of cramming or revising intensely.
- It is typically followed by the preposition "on" when specifying the subject matter.
- It is often used in contexts related to academic study or preparing for a specific evaluation.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can sometimes imply a superficial or last-minute effort to memorize facts, rather than deep, long-term learning.
- It can be used in continuous tenses (e.g., "mugging up") to emphasize the ongoing, intensive nature of the activity.
Variants and Related Words
- Cram (verb): To study intensively over a short period. (More common in American English).
- Bone up (on) (phrasal verb): To study or review a subject intensively. (Synonymous with "mug up").
- Swot up (on) (phrasal verb): Another British informal term meaning to study hard.
- Revise (verb): To review material previously studied. (A more formal and general term).
Synonyms
- Cram
- Bone up
- Swot up
- Review intensively
Phrasal Verbs
- Mug up on: This is the standard construction of the phrasal verb. The preposition "on" introduces the specific topic being studied.
- You should mug up on the company's history before the interview.
Verb
- study intensively, as before an exam
- I had to bone up on my Latin verbs before the final exam