plump up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To make something fuller, softer, or rounder by shaking, patting, or squeezing it: The action of restoring volume or a fluffy shape to something soft, typically cushions, pillows, or upholstery.
Usage
- The verb "plump up" is a transitive phrasal verb. It requires a direct object (the thing being made fuller).
- It is commonly used in the context of household chores, hospitality, or preparing a comfortable space.
- The particle "up" adds the sense of increasing volume or improving shape.
Examples
- Verb:
- Please plump up the cushions on the sofa before the guests arrive.
- She plumped up the pillows to make the bed look more inviting.
- This chair seat has flattened; it needs to be plumped up.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: While less common, "plump up" can be used figuratively to mean adding substance or volume to something non-physical, like a story or a figure in a report.
- The author plumped up the manuscript with additional background details.
Variants and Related Words
- Plump (verb): To shake or pat something to make it fuller. Often used interchangeably with "plump up," though "plump" alone can also mean to drop or sit down heavily.
- She plumped the pillows.
- Fluff up (phrasal verb): A direct synonym meaning to make something soft appear fuller by shaking or patting.
- Fluff up the duvet.
Synonyms
- Fluff up: To make something soft lighter and fuller.
- Fluff: To shake or pat something into a soft, full shape.
- Fluff out: Similar to fluff up.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Plump for (phrasal verb): To choose or decide on something, especially after hesitation.
- After much deliberation, she plumped for the chocolate cake.
- Plump down (phrasal verb): To sit or drop down heavily and informally.
- He plumped down on the couch exhausted.
Related Idioms
- None directly for "plump up." The primary meaning is literal. The idiom "plump for" is related to the base verb "plump" but has a completely different meaning (to choose).
Verb
- make fuller by shaking
- fluff up the pillows