start up
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle up
Meanings
Begin operating, of an engine, machine or computer
Why “up”? A person, thing, signal, idea, or truth becomes present, visible, active, or known.
“The car wouldn't start up this morning.”
“The generator started up automatically.”
“He started up the lawnmower.”
“Start the engine up before we load the car.”
“She started up the printer with one click.”
“The backup computer started up while Leo opened the office presentation file.”
Establish a new business or organisation
Why “up”? A new thing appears or is made.
“She started up a small bakery last year.”
“They started up a local delivery service.”
“They started up a tech firm in their garage.”
(of a sound, conversation or activity)suddenly begin
“The music started up again after midnight.”
“The crickets started up at dusk.”
Don't confuse with
Start up means begin operating, of an engine, machine or computer. Start off means begin a journey, conversation or process.
Test yourself
“The car wouldn't start up this morning.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
start off
A contrast learners often mix up
Begin a journey, conversation or process
blow up
Same up pattern: appearance
Explode or be destroyed by an explosion; Inflate something by filling it with air; Suddenly become very angry; Enlarge a photograph or image; (of a storm or argument) develop quickly into something serious
bring up
Same up pattern: appearance
Mention or raise a topic
build up
Same up pattern: making
Gradually increase in amount, strength or intensity; Develop or strengthen something over time; Make someone or something seem more important or impressive than they are; Encourage or strengthen someone emotionally; Create momentum towards a moment or event
call up
Same up pattern: appearance
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
catch up
Same up pattern: appearance
Reach the same level or position as someone ahead; Get up to date with news, work or events you have missed; (of bad behaviour or neglect) start to have unavoidable consequences; Spend time talking to a friend after a period apart
clear up
Same up pattern: appearance
Tidy a place by putting things away; (of weather) become bright and dry after rain or cloud; Resolve a misunderstanding or doubt by explaining it; (of an illness, rash or symptom) disappear or get better; Solve a mystery or unsolved problem
come up
Same up pattern: appearance
Arise as a topic or event; Create an idea or plan, or find an answer
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