stay up
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle up
Meanings
Not go to bed at the usual time
Why “up”? More of something is higher. Quantity, intensity and speed all rise.
“We stayed up late watching films.”
“They stayed up to watch the election results.”
“She stayed up all night to finish the essay.”
Remain in a raised or upright position
Why “up”? Movement goes from low to high.
“I tied a knot so the ribbon would stay up.”
“The shelf stayed up after we added two screws.”
“The shelf stayed up for years before falling.”
(of a price, level or value) remain at a high point
“House prices have stayed up despite the slowdown.”
“Fuel costs stayed up through the winter.”
“Oil prices stayed up for months.”
Don't confuse with
Stay up means not go to bed at the usual time. Stay out means remain outside or away from a place.
Test yourself
“We stayed up late watching films.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
stay out
A contrast learners often mix up
Remain outside or away from a place or situation
back up
Same up pattern: increase
Make a digital copy of data as a safeguard; Support someone's claim, story or position; Move backward along the same path; (of traffic or water) accumulate because flow is blocked
beef up
Same up pattern: increase
Strengthen or reinforce
blow up
Same up pattern: increase
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
build up
Same up pattern: increase
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: 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
cheer up
Same up pattern: increase
Become happier or less miserable; Make someone else happier; (imperative) Stop being sad; used as encouragement
climb up
Same up pattern: upward
Ascend by gripping or stepping
Practice “stay up” in Sink In
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