stand up
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle up
Meanings
Rise to a standing position
Why “up”? Movement goes from low to high.
“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 clean water in their town.”
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
Rise from bed or a seat; Move to a standing position; Increase in strength
hold up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise and keep raised
jump up
Same up pattern: upward
Spring upward into the air
keep up
Same up pattern: upward
Continue at the same level or rate; Move at the same speed as someone else; Stay informed about something current; Prevent someone from going to bed or sleeping; Prevent something from falling down; Maintain pretences, an appearance or a habit; Match the social or financial standard of others
lift up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise something with force
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