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look up — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
look up
search for informationimproveadmire someone

Meaning 1 · most common

search for information

  • look up sth sth)
A scene showing “look up” meaning “search for information”.

To try to find information about something, usually in a book, online, or in a list.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

If you don't know the word, you can look it up in the dictionary.

A: What's the capital of Canada?
B: I'm not sure, let me look it up.

Common mistake

Not: Let me look up it online.

Say: Let me look it up online.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'look it up'.

More on “search for information”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my studies, I often have to look up new terms online to understand my textbooks better.

Tell it apart

I looked up the word in a dictionary.

  • searched for information

I looked up at the night sky.

  • raised my eyes

Goes with

  • look up + info
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Next meaning: improve

Meaning 2

improve

  • look up for sb/sth
  • informal
A scene showing “look up” meaning “improve”.

To get better or become more successful, especially after a difficult time.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

After a few tough months, things are finally looking up for her.

A: How's your new job going?
B: Much better, actually. Everything's looking up now.

Common mistake

Not: My situation is looking up better.

Say: My situation is looking up.

'Look up' already means 'improving' — don't add 'better'. Usually intransitive: 'things are looking up'.

More on “improve”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Although the economy was struggling last year, experts say things are starting to look up.

Tell it apart

Business is looking up after a slow year.

  • improving

I looked up the word in a dictionary.

  • searched for information

Goes with

  • things look up
Practice saying this
Next meaning: admire someone

Meaning 3

admire someone

  • look up to sb
A scene showing “look up” meaning “admire someone”.

To respect or admire someone, often because you think they are important, talented, or have good qualities.

How oftenRare
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Many young athletes look up to Serena Williams as a source of inspiration.

A: Who did you look up to when you were growing up?
B: My older brother—I always admired how determined he was.

Common mistake

Not: I really look up my grandfather.

Say: I really look up to my grandfather.

To admire a person you must say 'look up TO'. Bare 'look up' means search for info or raise your eyes.

More on “admire someone”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, children benefit greatly when they have someone to look up to, as it encourages them to develop positive values and ambitions.

Tell it apart

Kids look up to their heroes.

  • admire them

I'll look up the address.

  • search for the info

Goes with

  • look up to
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search for informationimproveadmire someone