perk up

phrasal-verb
UK: /ˌpɜːk ˈʌp/
US: /ˌpɜːrk ˈʌp/

  1. To become or cause someone to become happier, more energetic, or more active.

    1. I perk up when I drink coffee.
    2. The flowers perk up after I watered them in the morning sun, looking vibrant.

  2. To improve or cause something to improve in condition or appearance.

    1. A new coat of paint can perk up a room.
    2. Sales figures should perk up with the launch of the new advertising campaign, showing good results.

Synonyms

cheer up enliven invigorate rejuvenate brace buck up
perk up intransitive-verb

  1. To become more cheerful or lively.

    1. She perked up when she heard the news.
    2. After a cup of tea, he started to perk up and became more talkative than before.

  2. To make someone feel happier or more energetic.

    1. The good news perked her up immediately.
    2. A phone call from her friend perked her up after a long day at work and she felt refreshed.
perk up transitive-verb

  1. To make someone feel happier, healthier, or more energetic.

    1. A compliment can perk up anyone.
    2. The bright colors of the painting perked up the otherwise dull and gray room, full of sadness.

  2. To improve the appearance of something.

    1. New curtains will perk up the room.
    2. Adding some plants to the office can perk up the atmosphere and make it more inviting, for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "perk up" in English means: To become or cause someone to become happier, more energetic, or more active., To improve or cause something to improve in condition or appearance..

The phonetic transcription of "perk up" is /ˌpɜːk ˈʌp/ in British English and /ˌpɜːrk ˈʌp/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "perk up": cheer up, enliven, invigorate, rejuvenate, brace, buck up.

Example usage of "perk up": "I perk up when I drink coffee.". More examples on the page.