think up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Devise mentally
Why “up”? A new thing appears or is made.
“I thought up a new way to solve the problem.”
“They thought up a better name for the app.”
Don't confuse with
Think up means create an idea in your mind. Think out means plan something carefully.
Test yourself
“I thought up a new way to solve the problem.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
think out
A contrast learners often mix up
Plan something carefully in your mind
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
come up
Same up pattern: making
Arise as a topic or event; Create an idea or plan, or find an answer
conjure up
Same up pattern: making
Invent as if by magic
cook up
Same up pattern: making
Devise (often something dubious)
draw up
Same up pattern: making
Compose or formulate
dream up
Same up pattern: making
Invent imaginatively
make up
Same up pattern: making
Invent or fabricate
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