Definition

Adjective: 1. Made or become more cheerful, lively, or alert: Describes a person or thing that has experienced an improvement in mood, energy, or appearance, often as a result of a specific stimulus or event.

Usage

The adjective "perked up" is used to describe a state of renewed cheerfulness, energy, or attentiveness. It typically follows a linking verb like be, feel, look, or seem. It describes the result of a change, implying a previous state that was less cheerful or lively.

Examples

• After her nap, the baby looked perked up and ready to play.
• He felt perked up after hearing the good news.
• The team seemed perked up after the coach's motivational speech.
• The room was perked up with some fresh flowers and bright curtains.

Advanced Usage

• "perked up" as a participial adjective: It can function as an adjective derived from the phrasal verb "to perk up," describing the resultant state.
  • With a perked-up spirit, she tackled the difficult task. (Here, "perked-up" is a compound adjective modifying "spirit").

Variants and Related Words

• Perk up (phrasal verb): To become or make someone/something more cheerful, lively, or alert.
  • The coffee perked him up. (Verb)
• Perky (adjective): Cheerful and lively.
  • She has a perky personality.

Synonyms

• Cheered up
• Brightened
• Livened up
• Invigorated
• Enlivened

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Perk up: To become more cheerful, lively, or alert; or to make something more attractive or interesting.
  • The market perked up in the afternoon. (Became more active)
  • She perked up the outfit with a colorful scarf. (Made more attractive)

Adjective

1. made or become more cheerful or lively
   • his attention made her feel all perked up