stand up
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle up
Meanings
Rise to a standing position
Why “up”? A person or thing moves from a lower place or position to a higher one.
“She stood up when her name was called.”
“She stood up when the judge entered.”
Refuse to accept unfair treatment, pressure, or rules
Why “up”? Someone does not accept pressure, unfair treatment, or authority. They speak or act against it.
“She stood up to the bully.”
“Workers stood up to the unfair rules.”
Defend or support a person, right, or idea
“Maya stood up for her little brother.”
“Students stood up for their right to clean water.”
Don't confuse with
Stand up means move to a standing position. Stand out means be easy to notice.
Test yourself
“She stood up when her name was called.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
stand out
A contrast learners often mix up
Be noticeably visible
call up
Same up pattern: upward
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
climb up
Same up pattern: upward
Ascend by gripping or stepping
get up
Same up pattern: upward
Move from lying or sitting to an upright or standing position; Increase in strength
hold up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise and keep raised; Delay a person or process
jump up
Same up pattern: upward
Spring upward into the air
lift up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise something with force
look up
Same up pattern: upward
Direct your eyes upward; Search for information in a book or online; Start to become better; Admire and respect someone (look up to)
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