Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To be well-informed, up-to-date, or aware of current trends and developments: This phrase describes a state of being knowledgeable about contemporary matters, especially in popular culture, fashion, technology, or social trends. It implies keeping pace with the times.
   • To be alert, sharp, or mentally engaged: In a broader sense, it can also mean being perceptive and quick to understand what is happening.

Usage

• The phrase "be with it" is informal and somewhat dated, often associated with mid-to-late 20th-century slang. It is typically used in positive statements or questions to assess someone's awareness.
• It functions as a stative verb phrase, often following forms of "to be" (e.g., is, are, was, were).
• It is commonly used in the construction: Subject + be + with it.

Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • My grandfather tries to be with it by learning to use the latest smartphone apps.
  • To succeed in marketing, you really need to be with it and understand youth culture.
  • She's always with it when it comes to new music; she knows all the emerging artists.

Advanced Usage

• "not be with it": To be out of touch, unaware, or not keeping up with current trends.
  • His fashion sense shows he's just not with it anymore.
• "get with it": An imperative form urging someone to become informed or up-to-date.
  • You need to get with it if you want to connect with this audience.

Variants and Related Words

• Hip (adj): Aware of and attuned to the latest trends (a closely related, contemporaneous slang term).
  • He's a hip guy who knows all the cool spots.
• Trendy (adj): Very fashionable or up-to-date.
  • That's a very trendy café.
• In the know (idiom): Having special or inside information.
  • People in the know are buying that stock.

Synonyms

• Be informed: To have knowledge about something.
• Be up-to-date: To have the most recent information.
• Be aware: To have knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
• Be savvy: To be shrewd and knowledgeable, especially in a practical way.

Related Phrases

• Keep up (with): To stay level or informed about something.
  • It's hard to keep up with all the new software updates.
• Tuned in (to): Paying attention to and understanding a particular thing.
  • You have to be tuned in to the local music scene.

Related Idioms

• On the ball: Alert, competent, and attentive.
  • The new manager is really on the ball.
• Ahead of the curve: More advanced or informed than others.
  • Their research put them ahead of the curve in renewable energy.

Verb

1. be well-informed