Definition

1. Verb:

   • To become or make more cheerful, lively, or energetic: To recover one's spirits, liveliness, or physical energy, often after a period of low mood or fatigue.
   • To raise or lift something briskly or jauntily: To lift or tilt something, such as one's head or ears, in a quick, alert, or spirited manner.

2. Noun:

   • A perquisite; an extra benefit or advantage: An incidental benefit, privilege, or payment received in addition to one's regular salary or wages, often associated with a particular job or position.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • She seemed to perk up after hearing the good news.
  • The dog's ears perked when it heard its name.
• Noun:
  • Free health insurance is a great perk of this job.
  • One of the perks of being a member is early access to tickets.

Advanced Usage

• "to perk up" (phrasal verb): To become more cheerful, lively, or active; to make something more interesting or appealing.
  • The market perked up in the afternoon.
  • A bit of color would perk up this room.
• "perk up one's ears": To raise one's ears attentively (literally for animals, figuratively for people showing sudden interest).
  • I perked up my ears when they started discussing the promotion.

Variants and Related Words

• Perky (adjective): Cheerful and lively; jaunty.
  • She has a perky personality that brightens the office.
• Perquisite (noun): A formal term for a perk; a special right or privilege enjoyed as a result of one's position.
  • The use of a company car is a standard perquisite for executives.

Synonyms

• Verb (to perk up): Revive, cheer up, brighten, liven up, animate.
• Noun (benefit): Bonus, fringe benefit, advantage, extra, privilege.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Perk up: As detailed in 'Advanced Usage', this is the primary phrasal verb form.
  • He needed some coffee to perk up during the long meeting.

Related Idioms

• Perk up one's ears: To begin to listen attentively.
  • The students perked up their ears when the teacher mentioned there would be no homework.

Noun

1. an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
   • a limousine is one of the fringe benefits of the job

Verb

1. gain or regain energy
   • I picked up after a nap