perk up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (phrasal verb): 1. To cause someone or something to become more alert, lively, or cheerful: To make something or someone appear or feel more energetic, interested, or happy. 2. To become more alert, lively, or cheerful: To regain energy, spirit, or interest; to improve in appearance or mood.
Usage and Examples
- Verb (transitive - with an object): To make something/someone more lively.
- A cup of coffee in the morning really perks me up.
- She perked up the room with some fresh flowers.
- Verb (intransitive - no object): To become more lively.
- He perked up when he heard the good news.
- The market perked up in the afternoon after a slow morning.
Advanced Usage
- "perk something up": To improve the appearance or flavor of something.
- A dash of lemon juice perks up the sauce nicely.
- Used to describe a physical action, often involving ears or posture, indicating sudden attention.
- The dog's ears perked up at the sound of the treat bag.
Variants and Related Words
- Perky (adjective): Lively and cheerful.
- She has a perky personality.
- Perk (noun, informal): A benefit or advantage given in addition to salary.
- One of the perks of the job is free lunch. (Note: This is a separate, distinct meaning from the phrasal verb.)
Synonyms
- Enliven: To make more lively or cheerful.
- Invigorate: To give strength or energy to.
- Revive: To regain life, consciousness, or strength.
- Brighten: To become or make more cheerful.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
- Cheer up: To become or make someone happier. (More focused on emotion than general energy.)
- I tried to cheer her up after her disappointment.
- Liven up: To become or make more lively and exciting.
- The party livened up when the music started.
Related Idioms
- Perk up one's ears: To begin to listen attentively.
- I perked up my ears when I heard my name mentioned.
Verb
- cause to be alert and energetic
- Coffee and tea stimulate me
- This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate
- gain or regain energy
- I picked up after a nap