Browse all

dress up

A2 informal mixed both
In simple words

To wear fancy clothes or a costume, or to make something look better than it is.

Literal meaning: To dress in a higher (more elaborate or formal) way.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To put on smart, formal, or special clothes for an occasion.

"You don't need to dress up for the party — it's very casual."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 informal

To wear a costume or disguise, especially pretending to be a character.

"The kids dressed up as pirates and witches for Halloween."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To make something appear more impressive, attractive, or acceptable than it really is.

"No matter how you dress it up, the policy is basically a tax cut for the wealthy."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday speech. Children 'dress up' in costumes; adults 'dress up' for formal events. The figurative sense (making something seem better than it is) is common in journalism and politics.

Commonly used with

costume fancy dress party Halloween truth occasion

Forms

Base
dress up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dresses up
he/she/it
Past simple
dressed up
yesterday
Past participle
dressed up
have + pp
-ing form
dressing up
continuous

Understand "dress up" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "dress up" on Looplines