Definition

1. Verb:
   • To lift or elevate something, typically with some effort: The verb "heft up" specifically describes the action of raising or lifting an object, often implying that the object has considerable weight or bulk, requiring physical strength or exertion to move it upwards.

Usage

• Primary Meaning: Used to describe the act of physically lifting something from a lower position to a higher one. It often carries a connotation of dealing with a heavy or awkward load.
• Grammatical Notes: It is a transitive phrasal verb, requiring a direct object (the thing being lifted). It is often used in informal or physical contexts.

Examples

• Verb:
  • He managed to heft up the heavy suitcase onto the luggage rack.
  • Can you help me heft up this box of books?
  • She hefted up the child onto her shoulders for a better view.

Advanced Usage

• "heft up" vs. "lift": While "lift" is more general, "heft up" often emphasizes the initial effort involved in raising a weighty object from rest. It can imply a testing of the weight before or during the lift.
  • He hefted up the sack, gauging its weight before carrying it.

Variants and Related Words

• Heft (verb): To lift something heavy; to gauge or test the weight of something by lifting it.
  • He hefted the tool in his hand.
• Heavy (adj): Of great weight.
• Hoist (verb): To raise or lift something, especially using mechanical aid.

Synonyms

• Lift: To raise to a higher position.
• Raise: To move to a higher position.
• Hoist: To lift or pull something up, often with a rope or crane.
• Elevate: To raise to a more important or higher level (can be literal or figurative).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pick up: To lift something, typically from the ground. Often used for lighter objects or in a more casual sense than "heft up."
  • Please pick up that piece of paper.
• Lift up: A more common and general synonym for "heft up."
  • Lift up the lid to check inside.

Related Idioms

• Heft one's weight: (Not a direct idiom with "up") To use one's influence or strength. This is related to the core idea of "heft" as strength or weight.
  • The senator hefted his political weight to pass the bill.

Verb

1. lift or elevate