kept up
Definition
- Adjective:
- Maintained in good condition: Describes something that has been preserved or cared for so that it remains in a satisfactory or functional state over time.
Usage
- The adjective "kept up" is used to describe the state of an object, property, or system. It emphasizes the result of consistent maintenance and care.
- It typically follows a linking verb like "is," "was," or "looks."
- It is often used in the passive voice construction "is/was kept up."
Examples
- Adjective:
- Despite its age, the old house is remarkably kept up.
- The public gardens are beautifully kept up by a team of volunteers.
- For a car from the 1990s, the engine is very well kept up.
Advanced Usage
- "to be kept up": This is the standard adjectival phrase. It can be modified by adverbs like "well," "poorly," "meticulously," or "barely."
- The historical records were meticulously kept up by the archivist.
- The trail is barely kept up and can be difficult to hike.
Variants and Related Words
- Maintain (verb): To keep in an existing state; to preserve or keep up.
- It is important to maintain your equipment.
- Well-maintained (adjective): A more common compound adjective with a very similar meaning to "well kept up."
- They live in a well-maintained neighborhood.
- Upkeep (noun): The process or cost of keeping something in good condition.
- The upkeep of the estate is very expensive.
Synonyms
- Maintained: Kept in good order or condition.
- Preserved: Kept safe from harm, decay, or loss.
- Cared for: Looked after and protected.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Keep up (verb phrase): The phrasal verb from which the adjective is derived. It means to maintain something at a certain level or standard.
- It's hard to keep up the garden during a drought. (Here, "keep up" is a verb phrase.)
- She kept up her German by reading newspapers. (Here, "keep up" means to maintain a skill.)
Related Idioms
- Keep up appearances: To maintain an outward show of prosperity or well-being, especially to hide the true situation.
- Even after losing his job, he tried to keep up appearances for the sake of his family. (This idiom uses the verb phrase "keep up," not the adjective "kept up.")
Adjective
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kept in good condition
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