Meaning trap
look up
admire someone
To respect or admire someone, often because you think they are important, talented, or have good qualities.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To respect or admire someone, often because you think they are important, talented, or have good qualities.
'look up' also has the more basic meaning 'search for information'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Many young athletes look up to Serena Williams as a source of inspiration.
In my opinion, children benefit greatly when they have someone to look up to, as it encourages them to develop positive values and ambitions.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Look up to' is the natural verb for admiring someone. 'Hold in high regard' is formal. (This sense needs 'to' + a person.)
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
look up to
- to him
- to her parents
- to a mentor
- to older kids
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- look up (search for information) — 'look up' also has the more basic meaning 'search for information'; this is the advanced sense.